Elaine Darbyshire has left her role as director of corporate communications and research at Guardian Media Group’s regional media to take up a similar post at NHS North West.

It is understood that GMG will not be replacing Darbyshire’s role immediately.

Darbyshire begins in her new role today as director of strategic communications where she will take a strategic lead on internal and external communications throughout the organisation.

She replaces Joanne Wass who left NHS North West last year.

Mike Farrar, chief executive of NHS North West, said: “We are delighted to welcome Elaine Darbyshire as our new director of strategic communications.  With her solid track record of sustained success, we are convinced she will take a dynamic lead in conveying the tremendous work being done to improve the NHS in the North West.”

Darbyshire said: “I am proud and excited to be joining the NW Strategic Health Authority.  The NHS is growing and undergoing rapid and significant change, and I am relishing the challenge ahead.”