BSW Hospitals Group announce Group Chair

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust have today announced Paul von der Heyde as their Joint Chair.

This marks a significant milestone in the formal collaboration between these three Care Organisations as BSW Hospitals Group.Paul, who takes up the position on 1 April 2026, brings with him a wealth of experience gained over 40yrs of working at Board level in both the commercial sector and NHS.

Most recently as Chair of NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board from 2021, and prior to that as Chair of Yeovil District Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2012.Throughout his career Paul has developed a strong reputation for building effective partnerships to support transformation which enhances the experience of patients, colleagues and wider population.

In taking on the role, Paul will oversee a combined budget of £1.6 billion and workforce of over 17,600 colleagues, providing care to over 1 million people across Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire, Swindon and beyond.

Paul von der Heyde said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of BSW Hospitals Group. It is clear to see the passion and commitment of the staff and Governors in each organisation to unite behind a common purpose to deliver the best possible care, outcomes and experience to those who need our services across BSW and beyond.

“I am looking forward to working with them and our wider partners across Health and Social Care to unlock opportunities, address shared challenges and shape the future together.”

Cara Charles-Barks Chief Executive, BSW Hospitals Group said: “I am thrilled that Paul has agreed to be our Group Chair. It’s a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between our three Care Organisations as BSW Hospitals Group.

“He brings a wealth of experience in partnership working and a collaborative and patient focussed approach. I look forward to working with him to develop a Group that delivers care that is centred around patients - not organisations, ensures our people and resources are focused where they can make the greatest difference, create a solid foundation for the future and be a strong voice for our communities.

“I would like to thank our current Chairs Liam Coleman and Eiri Jones for their significant contributions to our organisations and in our journey as a Group to date.”