THE healthcare trust which runs Okehampton Community Hospital has announced the appointment of Kevin Marsh as director of nursing. Kevin (pictured right) had been interim director of nursing for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and joins following a rigorous interview process. He brings a wealth of experience from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where he was deputy director of nursing from July 2006 until joining the trust in March 2014. He had previously held the roles of senior nurse manager, head of nursing surgical services and acting chief nurse at Plymouth. Trust chairman Roger French said: 'We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the executive team. 'Kevin has fitted seamlessly into the ethos and culture of the organisation and has already demonstrated his compassion, professionalism and determination to maintain the momentum we have established for delivering safe and effective healthcare for our patients.' Kevin said: 'The trust is unique in its integration of acute and community health and social care services across half of Devon, and this presents lots of exciting opportunities, as well as challenges, in nursing. 'I am really looking forward to the task ahead. I have met many great people in my short time here and am keen to build on the excellent work of the team to provide safe, high-quality care and support for patients and their families.' Kevin replaces Carolyn Mills, who took up the role of chief nurse with University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.