Today the NHS Commissioning Board Special Health Authority has appointed Professor Sir Bruce Keogh as its designate National Medical Director.

Professor Malcolm Grant, Chair of the special health authority, made the announcement at its first board meeting.

Welcoming the appointment, Malcolm said: “I am delighted that Sir Bruce has been confirmed today as designate national medical director for the NHS Commissioning Board Authority. Sir Bruce has an outstanding reputation and an excellent track record in leading improvements in quality and outcomes. Clinical leadership will be at the heart of future commissioning arrangements, and so it is appropriate that Sir Bruce is one of our first appointments. Sir Bruce is the ideal person to lead us in building a clinically led system that is focused on outcomes.”

Sir Bruce will split his time between his role as NHS Medical Director, and his new role on the NHS Commissioning Board Authority. Subject to passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, the NHS Commissioning Board will be invited to confirm this and other appointments once it is fully established next year.

The Commissioning Board also announced that, former Director of Finance and Investment at NHS Midlands and East, Paul Taylor, has been offered the role of designate Interim Director of Finance.