15.01.19
University College London Hospitals trust appoints Baroness Neuberger as new chair
Baroness Julia Neuberger has been announced as the new chair of University College London Hospitals FT (UCLH).
Neuberger will become chair of UCLH at a time when it faces budgetary constraints and is currently implementing an electronic health record system. She will succeed Lord Prior, who left to become NHS England’s chair.
Described as having a “very distinguished contribution to healthcare policy and management,” Neuberger is a member of the House of Lords and was formerly the Liberal Democrat whip, but resigned from the party and joined the crossbenches in 2011 upon becoming the full-time senior rabbi.
Diarmid Ogilvy, stakeholder, governor, and chair of the Appointment Panel, commented: “On behalf of the panel and governors, I am delighted Julia has agreed to be the next chair of UCLH.
“Julia’s professional experience, personal warmth, intellect and passion for improving health and social care are exceptional. Her appointment will serve our patients, staff, volunteers, academic partners and the local and wider health communities well in the future.”
In 2013 Neuberger led an independent review into the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway, calling for the pathway to be abolished after finding substantial failings in care for the dying which reportedly went far beyond the concerns that prompted the review.
Taking up the role at UCLH on 25 February, Neuberger herself said she was “delighted” to be joining as the new chair.
She added: “I chaired the old Community NHS trust in the 1990s and loved it, and I grew up locally and live nearby.
“UCLH is a group of world class hospitals, doing world class research, and we can be proud of all its achievements, but it also has a local heart, and plays an important role in the area – it is a great honour to become part of all it does.”
The interim chair, Harry Bush, said UCLH had been very fortunate to attract someone of Julia’s calibre.
He stated: “UCLH faces a challenging time as it implements an electronic health record system and faces budgetary constraints and rising demand for its services.
“Julia is well equipped to guide UCLH as it grapples with these challenges and with the opportunities that will arise from integration of local services and our commitment to creating a more research-oriented hospital.”