New Chief Executive for Royal United Hospitals Bath

The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Cara Charles-Barks as its new Chief Executive.

Cara joins the trust from her role as Chief Executive of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. Previously Cara was deputy CEO at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust and Deputy COO at Peterborough & Stamford Hospitals NHS FT.

Cara grew up in rural Australia and trained to be a nurse there. From Registered Nurse she rose to positions of Ward Sister and Nursing Director.

She takes over at the RUH from James Scott, who retired at the end of May after nearly 13 years as CEO.

Cara said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at the RUH. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the organisation and to meet our fantastic staff. I have great hopes for the RUH and I’m really looking forward to a bright future – making us all proud to work here and to continue to care so well for our patients.”

“The RUH is highly valued and regarded in the community and I intend to build on its position as a respected and progressive organisation.”

Alison Ryan, Chair of the Trust, said: “We’re really pleased that Cara is joining us. She was CEO at Salisbury during the Novichok major incident in 2018 and guided the Trust more recently through the coronavirus pandemic. We’re sure she’ll lead the RUH with energy and enthusiasm in these continuing challenging and changing times.”