Movers and Shakers: Key Appointments in NHS Leadership
In the ever-evolving landscape of the National Health Service (NHS), leadership changes are crucial for driving innovation and improving patient care. Our latest roundup highlights significant appointments, including a national chief clinical information officer (CCIO) and chief nursing information officer (CNIO) at NHS England, as well as other notable leadership transitions across various NHS trusts.
New National Leadership at NHS England
NHS England has recently confirmed the appointments of Dr. Alec Price-Forbes as the national CCIO and Helen Balsdon as the national CNIO. Dr. Price-Forbes, a consultant rheumatologist, previously served as the CCIO for Coventry and Warwickshire’s sustainability and transformation partnership, known as Better Health, Better Care, Better Value. His extensive experience in clinical practice and information management positions him well to lead the digital transformation of clinical information across the NHS.
Helen Balsdon, who has been serving as the interim national CNIO since last year, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her leadership will be pivotal in enhancing nursing information systems, ensuring that nursing staff have the tools they need to provide high-quality patient care.
Strategic Digital Leadership Appointments
In a move to bolster digital strategy, Beverley Bryant has been appointed as the chief digital information officer (CDIO) for University Hospitals Dorset. Bryant joins from Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Trust and Kings College Hospitals NHS Trust, where she held the position of joint CDIO. She is set to begin her new role on October 28, 2024, and prior to her start, she will conduct a rapid review of electronic patient record (EPR) plans at nine acute NHS trusts, a project commissioned by John Quinn, chief information officer at NHS England.
Changes in Integrated Care Boards
Leadership transitions are also occurring within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Anu Singh has taken over as chair of the NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, replacing Jonathan Fellows as of September 1, 2024. Singh’s experience will be crucial in navigating the complexities of integrated care delivery in the region.
In Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dan Moore is currently serving as the acting chief executive during September and October 2024. He will be succeeded by Nikhil Khashu, who is set to join from NHS England in the autumn.
New Leadership at Trusts
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham will welcome Matthew Hartland as interim chief executive starting in October 2024. Hartland is currently the interim chief executive of Dudley Integrated Health and Care Trust and chief operating officer at Black Country Integrated Care Board.
In early September 2024, Peter Moore stepped into the role of chief executive at NHS Borders, following the retirement of Ralph Roberts. His leadership will be essential in steering the organization through its next phase of development.
Sarah Brennan has also joined Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust as chief operating officer in September 2024, bringing her previous experience from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Hospital Managing Directors Appointed
In a collaborative effort, North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust have appointed Glyn Howells and Professor Stuart Walker as hospital managing directors. They will oversee the day-to-day operations of both organizations for an initial 12-month period, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of their leadership.
Retirements and New Appointments
After an impressive 38-year career in the NHS, Kevin Jarrold will retire from his role as the joint chief information officer at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on September 30, 2024. His departure marks the end of an era, and Robbie Cline has been appointed as the joint CIO for the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative, set to take over on October 1, 2024.
Additionally, Lynne Carter has stepped in as interim chief executive at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, while Jim Austin has joined Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust as interim chief executive, with plans to remain in the role until April 2026.
Expanding the Management Board
Health Innovation West Midlands has also made several key appointments to its management board, including Dr. David Aldulaimi, clinical director at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr. Paul Edmonson-Jones, chief medical officer at Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board. These appointments are expected to enhance the strategic direction of health innovation in the region.
Conclusion
The recent appointments and transitions within NHS leadership underscore a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and digital transformation across the organization. As these leaders step into their new roles, their collective expertise will be vital in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the NHS. For more updates on appointments and departures, visit Digital Health Intelligence.