Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust announces new Medical Director

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Dr Arun Chidambaram as the Trust’s new Medical Director – the Trust’s most senior doctor.

Arun joined Derbyshire Healthcare from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust where he was the Trust’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Locality Medical Director.

A Forensic Consultant Psychiatrist by background, Arun has previously worked as a Deputy Medical Director across a number of organisations, including being the Interim Medical Director and Medical Director for Operations at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Arun has carried out most of his clinical career across Merseyside and Lancashire. He holds two masters degrees in psychiatry and a postgraduate certificate in Healthcare Leadership.  He has a wealth of knowledge around the profession as well as how to approach leadership within a healthcare setting.

Arun said: “It’s a great pleasure and privilege to join Derbyshire Healthcare. Throughout the recruitment process I was able to feel a real connection with my future colleagues and I am delighted that the connection was driven by our shared values.

“I am excited at the opportunity to enhance patient experience and support all services across the Trust to do their very best. I have a strong and equal focus on people and want to ensure I continue to work as a compassionate leader for the Trust.”

Ifti Majid, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “Arun has an exceptionally strong background not only in psychiatry but also as a leader.

“I am confident that he is a great fit for Derbyshire Healthcare because he employs a people-centred approach, something that is central to the way we operate as a Trust.

“On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I would like to welcome Arun. Many colleagues have already had the opportunity to meet Arun and are looking forward to working with him.”

Arun replaces Dr John Sykes, the Trust’s long serving Medical Director, who is now retiring from the post.  Dr Sykes will continue to work with the Trust as a Consultant Psychiatrist.