New South West Medical Director appointed
We are pleased to announce that Dr Trevor Smith has been appointed as NHS England’s new Regional Medical Director for the South West.
A prominent Gastroenterologist and international expert on clinical nutrition and intestinal failure, Dr Smith has held a number of leadership roles, including serving as President of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
He is also a senior clinical leader at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, where he has made significant contributions since 2010, particularly in developing the regional intestinal failure service and providing leadership across a variety of specialties, including emergency and specialist medicine, cancer care, ophthalmology and pathology. He currently has leadership responsibility for urgent and emergency care, primary and secondary care interface, and population health.
NHS South West Regional Director Elizabeth O’Mahony said: “With a distinguished record of clinical leadership at national, regional, and local levels, Trevor brings invaluable expertise in driving clinical transformation.
“His extensive experience and collaborative leadership style will be a tremendous asset for the region as we continue our strategic efforts to improve services for our population in alignment with the 10-year plan.
“We are excited to welcome Trevor to his new role and look forward to working with him to drive forward the region’s goals and deliver high-quality care to our population.
“His leadership and expertise will undoubtedly be instrumental in advancing our shared mission of improving health outcomes and transforming care across the South West.”
Following his appointment to the post at the end of 2024, Dr Smith will be joining the South West regional team at the end of April, where he will take on responsibilities including digital transformation, professional standards, and clinical oversight of specialist services.
He said: “Having previously trained and worked in Salisbury, Poole, Bournemouth, and Bath, I know just how many talented and committed colleagues there are in the South West across all sectors.
“I am hugely excited about re-joining the NHS South West family and supporting colleagues on this exciting journey to improve population health and integrate care.”
Dr Smith replaces Dr Michael Marsh, who retires at the end of March after six years as South West Medical Director.
Elizabeth added: “Michael’s departure is a huge loss for the NHS, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact he has made throughout his 40-year career. From his early work as a Paediatrician to his later role as a Regional Medical Leader, Michael has dedicated his life to improving healthcare.
“I know that Michael has earned the absolute respect of senior leaders across our region. He has always gone the extra mile to support colleagues and organisations, motivated to ensure the best possible care is provided for patients, always acting in their best interests. His legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the NHS.
“We wish Michael all the best in his next chapter and thank him for his immense contribution to the health service.”