Bruce Keogh to step down
06 Apr 2017
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of NHS England, has announced his resignation. Sir Bruce became Medical Director of the NHS in 2007, a role which was moved to NHS England in 2013, following reforms by the then Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley.
Responding to Sir Bruce’s decision to step down, Miss Clare Marx, President of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), said:
“Sir Bruce has served the NHS and medicine with distinction. We will miss the meticulous way he has approached improving patient safety and our health service as a whole. He has raised the profile of the medical profession within Whitehall immeasurably and that can only be a good thing for patients.
“Among his achievements is instigating the publication of surgeons’ performance data to drive up standards in the NHS. Surgeons have pioneered the way for transparency in the NHS, something that ensures as a profession we’re continually learning and improving.
“In 2013, his review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions demanded much needed changes to the cosmetic surgery industry which had developed a ‘wild west’ reputation. Patients who want cosmetic surgery are now better protected thanks to new professional standards for surgeons set by the RCS, as well as RCS certification, to help patients identify properly qualified surgeons.
“Most recently, he has fronted NHS England’s campaign on sepsis which, through better public and professional awareness, will undoubtedly save lives. We wish to thank him for all he has done to improve our health service and wish him every success in his new role as chair of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Foundation Trust.”
Notes to editors
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.
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