HCA International has placed the head of its HCA NHS Ventures division into the post of chief executive of the Wellington Hospital.

Fisher (pictured) took up the post on 3 October, replacing Neil Buckley.

After starting out in clinical roles in the NHS, Fisher moved into the private sector in 1997, joining Nuffield Health. There she held the posts of matron, director of clinical services and general manager.

Fisher then joined HCA in 2002 as chief nursing officer at the Wellington, before moving onto the chief operating officer role at Harley Street Clinic in 2006. She took on the chief executive post of HCA Joint Ventures in 2010.

Commenting on her move, Fisher said: “I feel privileged to be in the role and having the opportunity to lead The Wellington Hospital. Having been Chief Nursing Officer here from 2002-2006, I have always had a close affinity to the hospital, and I now feel as if I have come home.

“It’s been a recognised institution within the community over the last 42 years and I want to ensure that the hospital is able to provide services, not just for the local community, but also further afield.

“The biggest priority is about availability, and patients having access to our services in a seamless way.

“I want the patient experience to be exceptional. Whether or not patients need simple or complex care or procedures, we can cater for them.”

The move follows confirmation from the Competition & Markets Authority earlier this year that HCA would not have to divest the Wellington or its Princess Grace and London Bridge hospitals.

Claire Johnson, previously the interim director of HCA Joint Ventures South, has been promoted to chief executive of HCA Joint Ventures.