New director at RUH ‘inspired after accident’

A former corporate lawyer, businessman and charity executive has been appointed as a new nonexecutive director of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul Fairhurst has enjoyed a diverse 25-year commercial career which has seen him take on leadership roles with world-leading companies in the legal services, hotels and beverage sectors.

Paul, below, who suffered lifechanging injuries following a cycling accident in 2011, said: “The accident changed my life and inspired me to do all I can to achieve exceptional things that can make a difference for others by creating opportunity, inspiring them or giving them hope.

“I am delighted to join the board and am very grateful to the Council of Governors for putting their faith in me. There are many challenges ahead for the hospital and the local community but also opportunities too.

“I believe that my skills and lived experience can make a real difference to the people we work with, the people we care for and the people in our community. I can’t wait to start working with the hospital’s amazing staff and volunteers, governors and colleagues on the board.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the trust board,” said the chair Alison Ryan. “His experience and professional skills will be a real asset and support the governance and strategic development of the trust.”

Paul also has four years’ senior executive experience in the nonprofit sector. He has an extensive track record of leading large, culturally diverse teams to deliver stretching goals in highly complex circumstances.

Since 2020, Paul has been a trustee of national charity Designability, which is based at the RUH, and earlier this year he joined the trustee board of spinal injuries charity Back Up.