New medical director for NHS

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the appointment of a new medical director for the NHS.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh has been appointed to the role, also acting as deputy chief medical officer, the DoH has said.

David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS, said that the appointment of Sir Bruce – a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon – will put management of the NHS “on a stronger clinical footing”.

Sir Bruce said that he was “looking forward” to his new role.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to harness the expertise, experience and talents of clinicians working on the front line to guide and implement the continuing transformation the NHS for the benefit of our patients,” he added.

Sir Bruce is currently president of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as president of the Cardiothoracic Section of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer of the NHS, said that he was “very pleased” to welcome Sir Bruce into the DoH.

According to its website, the NHS was set up in 1948 and is Europe’s largest organisation.