New Chief Operating Officer appointed at Sheffield Children’s

Sheffield Children’s has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer – a “talented, committed and hardworking” colleague who has been working at Sheffield Children’s for seven years and helped lead the organisation’s COVID-19 response.

Craig Radford joined Sheffield Children’s as Associate Director for Medicine in 2015 and has since held the posts of Deputy Director of Strategy and Operations, Operations Director and, since April 2021, Acting Executive Director of Operations.

He has 19 years’ NHS experience, spending the last 12 of those in women’s and children’s services.  In that time he has led on substantial service developments, and was involved in leading the Sheffield Children’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Craig said: “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Sheffield Children’s. Having been at the Trust for seven years this month, I know what an extraordinary place it is and the amazing care that we provide to children, young people and their families every day. I’m very grateful for everyone’s support and I’m really excited to continue working with you all to take the organisation forward.”

The Chief Operating Officer is an important member of the Executive Team at Sheffield Children’s. It includes responsibility for the delivery of clinical services on a day-to-day basis, ensuring services run smoothly and efficiently. A significant focus over the next few years will be to work with stakeholders to recover care following the COVID-19 pandemic, including the reduction of our waiting times and lists.

The role is also responsible for the Trust’s emergency preparedness, resilience and response and will play a major role in strengthening our partnerships with other providers and partners locally and nationally. In addition Craig will be responsible for the Build It Better programme, which includes plans to redevelop the Emergency Department and build a helipad, working alongside The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Ruth Brown, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s, said: “In Craig we have appointed an extremely talented, committed and hardworking Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his career, he has shown a real commitment to children and young people’s care and always strives for improvement. I’m confident that the care of families will benefit immensely from the passion and experience he will bring to the role.

“I know Craig will be a strong and compassionate leader within Sheffield Children’s and I look forward to working closely with him as part of the Executive Team at the Trust.”

Craig will start in the new role immediately.