Media Release
Date: 02 October 2024
RUH appoints new Non-Executive Director
Dr Simon Harrod has been appointed the new Clinical Non-Executive Director to the Board of Directors at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Harrod trained as an anaesthetist in London and became a consultant at St Bartholomew’s in 1996. After several medical management roles, he was appointed as the medical director for the Royal London Hospital from 2015 until retirement in 2022.
During his 40 years in the NHS, including 25 years in hospital management, Dr Harrod has led on many changes in healthcare, including the introduction of electronic record systems and the development of robust patient safety processes.
Dr Harrod, whose non-executive director role has a key focus on patient safety and care, said: “I’ve had a career-long interest in patient safety and improving the quality of healthcare for all patients.
“I am looking forward to working with the board and using my experience in the health system to ensure the hospital continues to deliver high quality care for its patients. I aim to understand the needs of the local community and ensure these are reflected in the trust strategy.”
Non‐Executive Directors play a crucial role in bringing an independent perspective to the boardroom, in addition to any specific knowledge and skills they may have.
Alison Ryan, Trust Chair, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Dr Harrod to the Board as a Non-Executive Director. His wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable in offering strategic advice and support to the Board.”
Dr Harrod and his wife now live in Amesbury. In the last 18 months he has become a trustee of the new Amesbury History Centre while continuing with his of his hobbies of cycling, fly fishing and keeping his kit car on the road.
ENDS