EHI’s industry round-up: appointments

This special edition of E-Health Insider’s industry round-up covers significant appointments in the healthcare IT industry.

Orion Health appoints president of international

Clinical workflow and integration specialist Orion Health has announced the appointment of Charles Scatchard as its new president of international – covering the EMEA, India, and North Asia regions and assisting in Latin America, where it sees opportunities for expansion. Scatchard was vice president of healthcare and life sciences, EMEA, at Oracle, and before that held a similar role at IBM. However, he started his career in the NHS as a healthcare economist and has dedicated his recent career to the development of health information networks.

NHS Direct appoints new chief operating officer

NHS Direct has appointed Ronnette Lucraft as chief operating officer to lead on its plans to improve its operational efficiency. Lucraft was previously the trust’s commercial director, and played a significant role in its response to swine flu. She also oversaw the development of NHS Direct’s integrated online symptom checkers.

She said was an “exciting” time to be taking on her new role, despite the financial challenges faced by NHS Direct. “NHS Direct has a unique and well-developed operating model and staff show a high degree of professionalism and care. It’s with these strong foundations that we’ll be able to continue to improve the service we provide patients and the support we offer the rest of the NHS,” she said.

Gil Baldwin heads up Tunstall Healthcare Group

Tunstall Healthcare Group has announced the appointment of Gil Baldwin as group chief executive officer. He was previously managing director of Aviva’s healthcare business, Aviva Health, and before that worked in the civil service. Baldwin said government demands for more efficient services provided opportunities for Tunstall’s telecare and telehealth solutions.

PCTI appoints managing director

PCTI, the supplier of Docman, the intelligent document workflow and collaboration software used by many GPS, has appointed Ric Thompson as managing director. Thompson has ten years’ experience of running software businesses and most recently was managing director of Serco Learning.

Phil Sissons becomes managing director of HealthSystems

Specialist e-health consultant HealthSystems has appointed Phil Sissons as its managing director. The group works with health organisations across the UK on quality improvement, business and finance planning, recruitment and IT services and resources. Sissons has 38 years’ experience in the business development and information services sectors in the UK, Europe and the Far East, and extensive experience of NHS IT projects at all levels.

Atos Origin announces sales VPs and consulting appointments

Atos Origin has announced the appointment of two new vice presidents to lead its health and government sales teams in the UK. Steve Wells joins from BT to lead health and Chris Bingham joins from Capgemini to lead government.

Atos Origin has also made a number of appointments to its consulting practice in the UK. Greg Smith is joining as an associate partner from Capgemini and will work with the CIO advisory team on how organisations can use cloud computing, Web 2.0 and other ‘lighter-weight’ IT approaches to support their business objectives. Kevin Hunter is joining as an associate partner from PA computing, and will focus on national and local health organisations and integrated care.

Nuance Communications appoints sales director for the UK

Nuance Communications has made Simon Manley sales director healthcare for the UK. He previously worked for McKesson.

NHS Appointments: E-Health Insider would be delighted to report on IT appointments within NHS trusts and other healthcare organisations in the UK. Please send information about new appointments and significant changes to your IT team to Lyn Whitfield.