New London — Kerin Da Cruz has been named vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer of L+M Healthcare, a Yale New Haven Health member that includes Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Westerly Hospital and other ambulatory services in the region.

Da Cruz, a registered nurse who holds a master’s degree in nursing, assumed her new position Monday, succeeding Caren Lewis, who resigned. Da Cruz, who had served as vice president of operations at Westerly Hospital since 2017, will lead the nursing teams at L+M and Westerly hospitals in addition to other responsibilities.

“Kerin has a unique skill set that is ideal for our organization at this time as we prepare for further transformation of how we deliver high-quality care,” said Patrick Green, president and chief executive officer of L+M Healthcare. “Aligning our leadership team in a way that focuses our attention on improving the care we provide to our patients and families brings tremendous value to our organization.”

Dr. Kevin Torres, associate chief medical officer, will serve as interim administrator for Westerly Hospital.

Da Cruz has more than 28 years of experience in health care. She started her career at L+M as assistant chief nursing officer in 2009. A graduate of Rhode Island College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing, Da Cruz received her master’s in nursing administration from the University of Rhode Island.