New CEO announced for Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)

Following the appointment of Health Innovation KSS’s previous CEO, Dr Des Holden, as Chief Medical Officer at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Hatim Abdulhussein has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for Health Innovation KSS after a competitive process.

Hatim Abdulhussein has been with Health Innovation KSS since 2022 as the Executive Medical Director in a job share with Dr MaryAnn Ferreux. He is currently also National Clinical Lead for AI and Digital Workforce at NHS England and a practising General Practitioner (GP). Hatim will be starting his new role in April 2024, alongside his GP work.

Jane Ollis, Chair of Health Innovation KSS, said: “I am excited that Hatim will be taking on the role of CEO at a time of great opportunity for the organisation. The Health Innovation KSS board and I are confident that he will bring his passion for technological progress, evidencing innovation and improving lives, to be a fantastic leader.”

Hatim said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Health Innovation KSS at what is a pivotal time for the healthcare sector in the UK. Health Innovation KSS has grown over time to become a hub for innovation in our local area and beyond, delivering fantastic impact through our national programmes as well as collaborating closely with local partners to deliver on local priorities.

During my time as Medical Director I have seen firsthand the impact through the innovation lifecycle and as CEO I hope to ensure our Health Innovation KSS is pivotal in enabling transformation through innovation towards the regions and NHS’s biggest challenges.”

Fiona Craig will continue at Health Innovation KSS as Chief of Staff and Enterprise after acting as Interim CEO since January. Jane said: “We want to thank Fiona for doing a brilliant job keeping the business absolutely on track and for her valuable contributions to the national network.”

Upon beginning his role in April, Hatim will be posting a regular Health Innovation CEO video diary – subscribe to the Health Innovation KSS YouTube channel to keep up to date on his journey and be the first to hear about his key reflections and future plans.