06.04.17
Keogh to leave NHS England at end of the year
Sir Bruce Keogh will step down as NHS England’s medical director at the end of the year after 10 years in the role, it was today revealed.
He is relinquishing his position to take up a new role as chair of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
During his time at NHS England, the NHS director significantly led the Keogh review which investigated 14 hospitals with high mortality rates, and placed thirteen of them in special measures – one of which was placed back in to the programme today.
Sir Bruce said: “By the end of this year I will have served as national medical director for a decade. It has been and continues to be a huge privilege.”
But he recognised that now was the time to make a change: “I now have the opportunity to focus my attention on improving services for women and children in my home city. I am really looking forward to it.”
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, added: “Bruce has given superb medical leadership to the NHS and has been a great source of wisdom and advice to us all.”
And chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson praised Sir Bruce for walking a “difficult tightrope” in his tenure with professionalism, integrity and skill.
“It is vital that the public should have confidence in the ability of the NHS to deliver high-quality care, and Bruce has provided a credible voice of wisdom and experience on some difficult issues,” Hopson said. “He has commanded the confidence of providers, patients and politicians alike.
“We will miss him in his NHS England role but are delighted that he is going to become chair of one of our member trusts.”
The University of Birmingham also welcomed Sir Bruce’s appointment as chair of the FT. A spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the new trust has secured someone of the national stature and unrivalled experience of Sir Bruce Keogh as its next chair.
“Sir Bruce Keogh will be a huge asset to the trust. We look forward to welcoming him back to the city and to working closely with him through our Birmingham Health Partners alliance.”
Samantha Jones steps down
In related news, Samantha Jones, NHS England’s New Care Models programme director, has also announced that she will also be stepping down from her role.
Hopson stated that Jones had made a “great contribution” to the development of new care models and the vanguard programme – key elements of the vision set out in the Five Year Forward View.
“They are starting to deliver valuable and important development work, and it is vital that these initiatives come to full fruition,” he said.
“Sam’s thoughtful and effective leadership has helped to ensure that this programme is different to others that have preceded it, and stands a better chance of achieving lasting success.
“We wish her well in her future endeavours, and thank her for all the work she has done.”
Top Image: PA Archive
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