Interim executive appointments confirmed whilst recruitment underway
Several interim appointments have been made across Barts Health as executive leaders prepare to move on to major national roles.
Paresh Patel, group deputy chief finance officer (operational finance), will serve as interim chief finance officer ahead of Hardev Virdee's departure later this year for a senior leadership role with the Metropolitan Police.
Paresh brings a wealth of experience having worked at Barts Health since 2016. He has previously worked at a number of other NHS organisations as deputy director of finance.
At Newham Hospital, Dr Liat Sarner, consultant and medical director, is acting up as interim chief executive. Liat takes over from Simon Ashton, who will leave later this year to lead one of the country's largest NHS ambulance services covering the whole of South East England.
Liat is a sexual health consultant, a service she led trust-wide with distinction before her appointment as medical director for Newham Hospital.
At Whipps Cross Hospital, Ms Gurjit Mahil, deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, will act as interim chief executive following of Dr Amanjit Jhund's move to become chief executive at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
Gurjit joined Whipps Cross Hospital in August 2023 initially leading elective recovery before her appointment as deputy chief executive officer and chief operating officer. She brings extensive experience from senior operational and corporate roles across the NHS.
A competitive recruitment process for permanent appointments is underway, with interviews scheduled for early September ahead of executive departures expected in late September and early October. Interim leaders will step in as each transition takes place.