NHS Direct

NHS Direct appoints new Chief Executive

13 Feb 2009

NHS Direct is delighted to announce that Nick Chapman has been appointed Chief Executive. He will replace Matt Tee, who last month became Permanent Secretary for Government Communications at the Cabinet Office.

Career history

Nick has worked for the NHS for nearly 30 years, spending his early NHS management years as a national trainee. He then spent 10 years in Lewisham and North Southwark before his appointment as Chief Executive of West Dorset General Hospitals in 1991.

In 2002 he was appointed Chief Executive of Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust, before spending the last 4 years on secondment to the Department of Health as National Director of the 18 weeks programme. The programme has transformed waiting times for elective care and diagnostic services.

In the last 2 years Nick’s role has also included responsibility for the Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) and Choose & Book programmes.

Looking forward

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said:

“I am absolutely delighted to be offered this opportunity to lead NHS Direct, which has an enviable track-record in supporting NHS organisations and delivering high quality services to patients."

Chair Joanne Shaw said:

“With Nick we have someone with great abilities and a fantastic track record. He has the confidence of the NHS and the Department of Health and we are looking forward to him joining us.”

Nick is keen to join us as soon as possible and his start date will be announced as soon as it is agreed. He will be well supported by his Executive Management Team, including Paula Higson, Chief Operating Officer, who continues in her post as interim Chief Executive until Nick’s arrival.