Sir Keith was appointed for an initial period of three years in 2022, and his re-appointment by the council of governors (COG) will now see him remain in post until 31 March 2027.

Professor Sir Keith is a highly experienced and respected clinician, having worked in the NHS for more than 40 years. As professor of trauma surgery at the University of Oxford, he has extensive experience of trauma and emergency care, healthcare management and has been instrumental in driving service transformation, working collaboratively with partners in the NHS and beyond.

Keith joined SCAS from his role as the national director for emergency planning and incident response at NHS England. In January 2020, he was appointed as the strategic incident director, responsible for the operational response to the coronavirus pandemic across the whole NHS in England. He also led the covid vaccination deployment programme from July to October 2021.

During his initial three year period with SCAS Keith has been the health and wellbeing guardian, overseeing how SCAS delivers it's responsibilities for health and wellbeing; he has been part of the speaker for schools programme, delivering talks to hundreds of children across the SCAS counties; supported our SCAS networks, specifically the military champion network; and engaged with regional and national partners and stakeholders, promoting the successes, innovations and dedication of all the staff and volunteers who form part of our organisation.

Sir Keith said: ‘There is still much to do, particularly in fostering respect and relationships at all levels but I am encouraged by the progress I now see. The coming years will be about consolidating these improvements and embracing the positivity and pride that accompany the continued enhancement of the care we provide and we experience the operational improvements through our Fit for the Future plans.'

Lead governor at SCAS, Helen Ramsey, added: ‘The council of governors was happy to approve the recommendation made by the nominations committee to re-appoint Sir Keith as chair. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and has chaired the Trust very professionally through a challenging period, balancing the needs of different stakeholders and taking time to listen to and work with governors throughout.

‘We look forward to continue to work with Keith and bring different governor perspectives into the trust to help shape the future strategy.'

His new term will commence on 1 April 2025.