Our new Deputy Chief Executive

Sheffield Children’s is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruth Brown as its new Deputy Chief Executive, completing the Trust’s new executive team.

Ruth has been Executive Director of Strategy and Operations at the Trust since 2017 and will continue this role alongside her new role, which starts on 2 December.

Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge from her 30 years of experience in the NHS and is committed to furthering the Trust’s improvement work, performance and strengthening its partnerships across the region. Ruth is already an active participant in the region’s Integrated Care System and Sheffield’s Accountable Care Partnership, helping to provide more seamless, professional care services across the organisational and geographical boundaries. Within the Trust, Ruth is responsible for the operational delivery and performance of services as well as the development of the Trust’s strategic direction.

Chief Executive John Somers said: “Ruth brings commitment and energy to the Trust, and has been a vital part of the senior team since joining us two years ago. I am delighted she will be taking on this additional role and helping to continue to make Sheffield Children’s the best place it can be for both patients and our staff. The Trust Board has developed this role to enable me to have an increased presence externally, as we develop children’s healthcare further in Sheffield, the region and nationally.”

In her new role, Ruth will:
• Be responsible for and provide day-to-day leadership on matters within the Trust
• Chair the Divisional Performance and Quality Review Meetings and Transformation Board
• Deputise for the Chief Executive
• Grow and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders including NHS Improvement, NHS England, the Care Quality Commission, Clinical Commissioning Groups, other NHS foundation trusts and local authorities

Ruth Brown said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed into the Deputy Chief Executive role at Sheffield Children’s. It is an amazing Trust that provides care to so many children and their families. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our work over the last two years at the Trust and am pleased to be able to build on this in my new role.”

Before joining Sheffield Children’s, Ruth was an Operations Director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where she led the integration of community and acute services for adults. She is experienced in managing complex change and promoting improved patient and staff engagement in developing transformational change.

Ruth is also keen to help the public and staff understand her role, as well as the work of the Trust. Find out more by following her on Twitter.