New Tsar of Tsars appointed to lead clinical engagement
pharmafile | September 6, 2007 | News story | |Â Â Â
A leading heart surgeon has been appointed to ensure frontline doctors are engaged with health service reform and ensure their views are reflected in policy.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, will be the new NHS medical director, also having the responsibility of co-ordinating the work of the numerous 'tsars' who champion the needs of specific clinical areas.
The new role for Keogh follows the similar appointment of another surgeon, Prof Ara Darzi as a health minister, a move intended to heal the very public rift between frontline doctors and NHS leaders over reform.
Keogh will also act as Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Commenting on the appointment David Nicholson said: "The NHS is just over halfway through a major programme of investment and reform, but we can only transform services if our staff understand and are engaged in what we are trying to do.
"I am delighted that Bruce Keogh has accepted the post of NHS Medical Director. This will put the department's management of the NHS on a stronger clinical footing and support the NHS locally to provide better clinical leadership – helping to support clinicians to drive change at a local level in order to drive improvements for the benefit of patients."
Keogh will work with Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson on a number of projects and issues, including patient safety and the quality of health services.
Sir Bruce Keogh said: "I'm looking forward to my new role – it's an exciting opportunity to harness the expertise, experience and talents of clinicians working on the frontline to guide and implement the continuing transformation the NHS for the benefit of our patients.
"Working closely with Sir Liam Donaldson and the Department's National Clinical Directors on matters such as clinical innovation, quality and safety, the Medical Director will provide a strengthened clinical voice in the overall management of the NHS."
