Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the United Kingdom, has appointed Professor Meghana Pandit as its CEO. Pandit, who is of Indian descent, is a renowned physician with a distinguished career in healthcare. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the healthcare sector as she becomes the first person of Indian origin to be nominated as CEO of any National Health Service (NHS) trust in the Shelford Group, which includes some of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK.
Ms. Pandit, who was serving as the interim CEO at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) since July 2022, was permanently appointed to the post following a “rigorous and competitive process,” which concluded after what OUH described as an extensive national and international recruitment search.
With her appointment, Pandit also becomes the first woman to serve as the CEO of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her expertise and experience in the healthcare sector will be crucial in leading the trust as it continues to deliver high-quality patient care, education, and research.
“It is a privilege to be asked to lead OUH on a permanent basis and I look forward to continue working with colleagues at OUH, our partners in the health and social care system in Oxfordshire and across the BOB Integrated Care System, our partner Universities, and Oxford Hospitals Charity, to ensure the highest quality of research and innovation enabled care for our patients and populations,” said the newly-appointed CEO of the OUH.
Pandit’s career spans over two decades and includes roles such as Clinical Director of Surgery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, as well as Medical Director of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Prior to her appointment as CEO of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Pandit served as Deputy CEO and Chief Medical Officer of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Ms. Pandit trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Oxford Deanery and was Visiting Lecturer in Urogynaecology at the University of Michigan in the U.S. She has served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within the NHS trusts and led the development of a clinical strategy with the responsibility of overseeing hundreds of doctors. She is an Honorary Professor at Warwick University and an Associate Fellow at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford.
The CEO of the NHS trust is personally responsible, along with the NHS Chief Executive, as the parliamentary accountable officer for ensuring that the organisation works effectively in accordance with national policy and public service values, and maintains proper financial stewardship.
In her new role, Pandit will be responsible for overseeing the trust’s four hospitals, which provide a range of services including emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, and critical care. The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is renowned for its research and innovation, and Pandit’s appointment is expected to further drive advancements in healthcare.
Pandit expressed her excitement at the new appointment, stating that she is honored to lead such a prestigious institution and work alongside dedicated staff committed to delivering excellent patient care. Her appointment is a testament to the diverse and talented workforce in the healthcare sector and the positive impact it can have on patient outcomes.
