Australian private hospital group Ramsay Health Care has appointed Dr Andrew Jones as the chief executive of its UK division.

Jones joins Ramsay from rival Nuffield Health where he held the position of chief operating officer. He joined the not-for-profit in 2007 as its first medical director before becoming managing director of wellbeing and then chief operating officer.  Jones begins his new role at Ramsay on 1 January 2018.

Current Ramsay UK boss Mark Page announced in May that he was stepping down to return home to Australia and continue working for Ramsay there.  

Commenting on Jones’ appointment, Ramsay Health Care managing director Craig McNally said: “We are delighted that Andrew has accepted the role and look forward to him commencing in January.  As chief operating officer he has been instrumental in ensuring a high standard of service delivery and quality outcomes across the Nuffield business as well as overseeing the successful implementation of Nuffield’s wellness strategy.

“Andrew will bring strong strategic and operational acumen to our Ramsay UK leadership team, building on the excellent reputation and culture that has been established in this business since we entered the UK market in 2007.”

Ramsay was established in Australia in 1964 and now operates over 220 private hospitals and day surgery facilities across Australia, France, Indonesia, Malaysia and the UK. 

Recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates was engaged to fill the chief executive position.