Medical Director

Published: 20 August 2015

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Torbay Hospital, has announced that it will shortly be seeking a new Medical Director. Dr John Lowes who has held the position since 2009 is coming to the end of his tenure and has decided that the time is right for a new person to take the challenge forward.

The role of Medical Director is a key Board position and as the Trust moves forward with its merger with the community health and care provider, Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, the challenges and opportunities of the medical leadership for the provision of integrated care continue to be crucial.

Dr Lowes, Medical Director South Devon Healthcare Foundation Trust which runs Torbay Hospital said: “Taking on the role of Medical Director has been a challenge but one I have enjoyed immensely. An important part of my task has been to play a key role in moving the Trust towards its aim of integrating acute and community health and care. With the merger of the two Trusts happening very soon there is a natural break for a new Medical Director to turn the vision into reality. I believe this will benefit from a fresh pair of eyes.”

Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chairman of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Dr John Lowes has done a remarkable job as Medical Director. He has won the confidence and support not only of clinicians but of all our staff and stakeholders. He has been a driving force in developing superb clinical leadership as well as taking the Trust’s vision of integrating care forward and forging excellent relations with other organisations.

“I would also like, at this point, to acknowledge the outstanding manner in which he led the Trust, as our Interim Chief Executive, for which we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”

Mairead McAlinden, Chief Executive of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am immensely grateful to John for the support he has given me since taking up post in April. He has guided the Trust in his role as medical leader and also as a key member of the senior leadership team, and has played a major role in our achievements over the past six years. I know John will continue to deliver his absolute commitment to excellent care as he returns to his clinical work.”

Dr Lowes, who joined Torbay Hospital in 1993, will continue in his role as a consultant Gastroenterologist.