Chief Operating Officers
A university hospital’s mission extends beyond patient care. It cultivates the healthcare leaders of tomorrow, pioneers medical advancements, and delivers the highest standard of treatment. Forging a seamless link between these vital functions demands exceptional operational leadership – a role fulfilled by the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
COOs are the orchestrators of daily excellence. They ensure efficient patient journeys, optimise resource management, and guarantee rigorous clinical standards in an evolving healthcare landscape. Strategic vision, unwavering efficiency, and a deep commitment to supporting research and education are the hallmarks of a successful COO.
Understanding the unique challenges of a university hospital, COOs rely on collaboration and knowledge sharing. They work closely with CEOs to align operations with overarching strategy and actively foster leadership throughout the organisation. Specialised organisations, mirroring the University Hospital Association, offer a platform for COOs to exchange insights and best practices.
Through these networks of collaboration, COOs empower university hospitals. Alongside CEOs, they shape the operational backbone that allows teaching hospitals to deliver cutting-edge care, drive medical innovation, and train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The current chair of the UHA COO Group is Dr Andy Heeps, Medical Director at University Hospitals Sussex.
