Professor Sir Bruce Keogh has been appointed as the new Chairman of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

The organisation, which brings together Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Women’s Hospital, was looking for a candidate who was well respected, would provide constructive challenge and be in the best position to continue to develop the great ambitions set by the Trust.

Bruce will step down from his current role of NHS England National Medical Director later this year – a post he has held for 10 years. He will take over from current Chairman, Dame Christine Braddock. Professor Sir Bruce Keogh said:

Birmingham has been my home for 20 years – its people and community mean a lot to me. I am delighted at the prospect of helping to improve health and care for its women and children. Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is a new and outstanding organisation, and I look forward to working with staff and patients to continue to build on its success.

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust Chairman, Dame Christine Braddock, DBE, DL, said:

I am incredibly proud of what our Governors and Board have achieved over the last three years and I am delighted to be handing over to Sir Bruce who I know will continue their outstanding work.

Dan Matthews, Lead Governor, said:

We are delighted that Sir Bruce Keogh will be joining our Board later this year. He is an experienced physician, renowned for his expertise in quality, clinical leadership and innovation who demonstrates a passion for the NHS, Birmingham and our newly merged organisation. His leadership in the Chairman role will be pivotal, and his ability to establish partnerships and advocate for our women’s and children’s care will be invaluable as we build on the successes of our hospitals and Board.

It was this winning combination that appealed to us as we knew he was the right person for our organisation. We’re at an exciting point in our future as we develop our vision for women and children across the country and internationally, and we know that Bruce will help us on our road to making this a reality.