The Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has been named as one of the country’s top CEOs and has praised her “amazing” staff as the major reason.
The judges for the accolade from the Health Service Journal (HSJ) assessed candidates on areas including their leadership style, the performance of their Trust and their contribution to the wider health system.
Cara Charles-Barks said: “To be named in the top 50 CEOs is a personal honour, but I’m more proud of the amazing staff here at the RUH and within our system who are working so hard and making a difference in the care we provide for our community every day.
“Their dedication sits at the heart of what makes working here special, particularly during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic when they reached unheard of heights of sheer effort and professionalism.
“Now they’re playing a massive part in our COVID-19 recovery plans, including helping to vaccinate thousands of colleagues and people in our community.
“I’m incredibly proud to be CEO of the RUH Trust and excited for the future.
“We have ambitious plans to further improve services for our patients, and for our staff to place them right at the centre of our ambition to provide the highest quality of care, delivered by an outstanding team who all live by our values.”
Cara joined the Royal United Hospital in her role as Chief Executive in September 2020.
