The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) has today announced the appointment of Caroline Clarke as its new group chief executive.

Caroline has been the Royal Free London’s deputy chief executive for the past seven years, having first joined the Royal Free Hospital as a finance trainee in 1991. She will begin her new role leading one of the largest NHS teaching trusts with immediate effect.

Dominic Dodd, chairman of the RFL, said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted that Caroline has agreed to become our new chief executive. We all look forward to working with her as she leads the Royal Free London into the next chapter in its history.”

“It is a huge compliment to our staff that we were able to attract and choose between a strong field of candidates.”

Caroline said: “I am delighted and honoured to have this chance to lead the RFL and to build on the amazing work that we do here.”

“We have over 10,000 of the most committed, brilliant staff that I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Together we have the opportunity to continue to make a huge difference to the communities and to the lives of the patients we serve.”

“I am looking forward to working with our key partners and stakeholders to do just that.” 

The RFL group is made up of Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital.