Dr Magda Smith appointed as Group Deputy Chief Medical Officer
We are happy to announce that Dr Magda Smith has been appointed as Group Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health. Magda is joining us from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), where she has been Chief Medical Officer for the past three years.
The appointment brings us closer in our collaboration with BHRUT, as she will continue some of her work there as a consultant gastroenterologist.
Magda has been at BHRUT for more than twenty-five years and has combined her clinical work with several senior leadership positions.
Commenting on her appointment, Magda Smith said: “I am excited about my new role and the opportunities it will offer as our two trusts work more closely together for the benefit of our residents.
“I am looking forward to meeting Barts Health colleagues and re-acquainting myself with the hospitals where I began my medical training.”
Magda will be replacing Dr Charlotte Hopkins, who will be taking up a secondment at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in January to be their Chief Medical Officer.
Charlotte became Deputy Group Chief Medical Officer in 2018 and has worked at Barts Health for over 10 years. Charlotte is a sexual health and HIV consultant and has extensive experience of operating and providing leadership within a complex environment, and has a passion for improving experiences for both patients and staff.
Charlotte said: Charlotte Hopkins said: “I will miss the Barts Health family, which has been my home for over a decade.
"I have enjoyed every moment and to all the great colleagues who have supported me along the way - thank you!”
Professor Alistair Chesser, Group Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health, said: “I am delighted that Dr Magda Smith has been appointed as Deputy Group Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health after a full and competitive process. Magda takes over this role from Dr Charlotte Hopkins who is moving to University Hospitals Sussex to become their interim Chief Medical Officer.
“Magda has been Chief Medical Officer at BHRUT and comes to us with great experience and skills. Her appointment is a sign of the growing collaboration between our two organisations. All of our senior medical leadership roles in both Trusts are now being made open to doctors in both Trusts, and we expect to see increasing cross-fertilisation in both directions over time.”