Dr Mark Pugh, Consultant Rheumatologist and Post Graduate Clinical Tutor has been appointed as the new Medical Director for NHS Isle of Wight.  Dr Pugh lives on the Island and take up the position in November 2009.

Commenting on his new appointment, Dr Pugh (pictured) said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as Medical Director. This position is a long held aim of mine and I look forward to the challenges this new post will bring. I still plan to play a lead role in the provision of rheumatology on the Island but am also hoping to further develop consultant support here.”

Dr Pugh has held the position of Consultant Rheumatologist at St. Mary’s Hospital since 2002 and Clinical Tutor since 2004. He is Chair of the Medical Education Committee, the Research and Development Committee and the Falls and Osteoporosis Strategy Group on the Island. Prior to moving to the Island he worked at Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust as Consultant Rheumatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer and was Chairman of the Medical Staff Committee.

The role of Medical Director is key to ensuring clinical leadership is central to all aspects of hospital business – from ensuring patient safety through medical workforce planning to the efficient allocation of resources used for delivering patient care.  Dr Pugh’s role on the Island will include the management and professional development of hospital doctors working across a range of service areas. He will work as part of the Executive management team for NHS Isle of Wight and compliments the role played by Dr Jenifer Smith, the Island’s Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Advisor, who has a particular focus on safeguarding public health, strategy and health improvement for the Island as a whole.

Welcoming the appointment, Kevin Flynn, NHS Isle of Wight Chief Executive said:

“The Island’s NHS faces a significant challenge in continuing to improve the quality of care provided to Island residents and I am confident that Dr. Pugh’s appointment will strengthen our ability to do so.   This role will ensure that doctors working in the hospital can be supported in delivering service redesign as well as ensuring continuity in debates on the use of resources.”

Dr Pugh lives on the Island and is married with two children. When not working he enjoys sailing and skiing. Dr Pugh will take up the position in November 2009.