The three Trusts in the BSW Hospitals Group, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, have today announced the appointment of Paul von der Heyde as their new Joint Chair.
Paul has been the Chair of NHS Somerset since December 2021, and the new ICB (Integrated Care Board) Cluster Deputy Chair across BSW (Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire), Dorset and Somerset since September 2025. He has over a decade of experience in senior roles in the NHS, following his appointment to the Board of Yeovil District Hospital in 2012, and his subsequent appointment as Chair in 2016. During his time in Somerset, he has been widely respected for his commitment to partnership working and his focus on improving outcomes for local people. He has helped guide the organisation through complex challenges while maintaining a clear focus on quality, innovation and financial sustainability.
Jonathan Higman, Chief Executive of BSW, Dorset and Somerset ICBs said: “Paul has played a significant leadership role across the Somerset health and care system for over a decade, and it has been a privilege to work with him. He’s provided strong governance and clear strategic leadership during a period of major change and transformation for the NHS.
His work has helped strengthen collaboration across organisations and has supported improvements in services for patients, families and communities. I’m pleased his skills and experience will remain within the NHS in the South West and I look forward to continuing to work will him in his new role.”
Rob Whiteman, Chair of BSW, Dorset and Somerset ICBs said: “Paul has played a significant role in supporting the new cluster of ICBs to come together. He has brought wisdom, calm leadership and a strong sense of public service to the role, helping to guide us through a period of significant change. I want to congratulate him on his new role, and I look forward to working with him to improve the health outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
Paul von der Heyde said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the people of Somerset and watch the NHS modernise and adapt over the past decade, including through the ground-breaking merger of Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to create a single integrated trust. I was privileged join NHS Somerset during the creation of Integrated Care Boards; working with partners to improve the health and well-being of our local communities. Whilst it’s hard to leave Somerset, I’m delighted to take on this new role and to continue to serve the NHS in the South West as Chair of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.”
Paul will take up his new role on 1 April 2026.
Read the news release on the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust website here.
