HCA Healthcare has announced the promotion of Dr Cliff Bucknall to chief medical officer.

Bucknall replaces Dr Chris Streather, who has taken on the chief executive role at The Royal Free Hospital. Bucknall will be fulfilling his new position at the end of July 2017.

Bucknall has worked with HCA Healthcare for many years, firstly as a cardiac consultant at its London Bridge hospital, and most recently as cardiac medical director.

He is a key influencer in the development of innovative research on cardiac care on an international scale, having been crucial in the development of laser lead extraction and biventricular pacemaker implantation.

In addition to his position at HCA, Bucknall is a Royal College of Physicians representative on the BSI Standards Committee, a cardiology advisor to the Metropolitan Police and specialist advisor to NICE's 'Interventional Procedures' programme.

Bucknall said:  “I am honoured to be named HCA Healthcare UK’s chief medical officer. From my time working with HCA UK as a consultant and more recently as Cardiac Medical Director, I have seen first-hand, the absolute focus HCA UK puts into providing high quality clinical care for patients. 

“I look forward to shaping the future of patient-centred care at HCA Healthcare UK.”