DR Melanie Iles has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (Somerset FT). She will start her new role on April 1, 2024.

Dr Iles is currently NHS England’s national chief clinical information officer (CCIO) on an interim basis and is most substantively NHS England’s medical director and CCIO for the East of England region. 

She took on the CCIO role at NHS England to support the formation of the new Digital Clinical Informatic team through the merger of NHS England, NHS Digital, and Health Education England.

Dr Iles is an experienced leader, having worked as a medical director in different capacities for more than eight years. She worked in this role for an acute trust, NHS Improvement, and NHS England.

Prior to this, she held a variety of regional and national roles as a senior clinical leader focused on children and young people. 

Dr Iles has a background in paediatrics, having worked as an NHS paediatrician for over 31 years.

Dr Iles said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Somerset NHS FT. 

“It will be a privilege to join the trust and work with the amazing staff to deliver the trust’s vision to improve the health and care outcomes for the people of Somerset and the benefits of the trust merger.

“I am looking forward to starting in April and getting to know the people and the services they deliver. I have been fortunate to have a varied career and experience which I intend to put to good use for the benefit of the organisation.”

Chief executive of Somerset FT, Peter Lewis, said: “I am very excited to welcome Melanie to Somerset in spring next year. 

“We aim to support people to stay well, provide the best care and support, strengthen care and support in local communities, and reduce health inequalities. I am confident that Melanie will support us to achieve this while at the same time supporting our colleagues within the trust to develop and continue to innovate.”