A former private healthcare firm director has taken the top role at a cancer support charity she spent time volunteering for.

Former director of corporate affairs at HCA Healthcare Meral Nugent has been named as chief executive of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre, in Enfield, London.

She volunteered at the charity two years ago and also spent time as its office manager before returning this year to lead the charity.

Nugent has 25 years’ experience in the health sector including a stint as head of global communications at Advanz Pharma.

At the charity she replaces Nick Jacobs who retired last month.

“I am incredibly thrilled to be joining The Nightingale as the new CEO, it is truly a privilege and honour,” said Nugent.

“During my time working here previously, I have come to love The Nightingale and the amazing work it does in the community.

“With one in two people experiencing cancer in their lifetime, the work of The Nightingale has never been more important, and I am very much looking forward to shaping the next stage of our journey as a charity, while continuing to support as many people as possible through was is an incredibly challenging time.”

The Centre’s chair Samantha Seth said: “Meral’s breadth of experience, combined with her strategic communications expertise, makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the charity into its next chapter.

“The Trustees are looking forward to working with Meral as she develops the charity’s strategy to deliver more services to more people across Enfield.”

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