LONDON: India-born professor Meghana Pandit has become the Prime woman of colour to be appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust.

Meghana, who was initially appointed to the position on a temporary basis in 2022, has now been given a permanent appointment following a thorough and competitive selection process that included significant national and international recruitment. She was selected as the top candidate after the interview panel unanimously decided as much on February 15 during a meeting of the Council of Governors.

I am happy that Meghana has now been appointed to the CEO job on a permanent basis and I am looking forward to working with her directly in what promises to be an exciting new age under her leadership," said Professor Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of Oxford University Hospitals, in a statement. She places a great emphasis on staff participation and incorporating patient feedback into the Trust's strategic growth, he said.

"Her approach is strongly aligned with our Trust values and with our vision of delivering compassionate excellence to our patients," Montgomery said. 

The appointment of Meghana will start on March 1, 2023.

Meghana obtained her medical degree from the University of Bombay and completed her obstetrics and gynaecology training there. She also served as a guest lecturer in urogynecology at the University of Michigan in the United States.
To ensure the highest level of research- and innovation-enabled care for our patients and populations, Meghana said in an OUH release, "It is a privilege to be asked to lead OUH on a permanent basis. I look forward to continuing to work 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.

"I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence," she said.

Before joining University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Meghana worked as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and divisional director in Milton Keynes. From May 2012 until December 2018, she served as the trust's chief medical officer.

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