Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, is to take up a four-month secondment to the Department of Health in a national role on Point of Care testing for COVID-19.

Professor Hardy starts in the position from Monday 10 August and has been invited by the Government to take the role at a time of increased focus around testing, not only in the NHS but in other sectors.

On the opportunity Professor Hardy said: “At UHCW our response as a Trust to this global pandemic over the last six months has been nothing short of heroic. This request acknowledges our standing nationally and how we have successfully managed this challenging period.

“I’m proud to have been asked to lead this vital area at this critical time to help contain COVID-19 across the country.

Trust Chair, Dame Stella Manzie Dbe added: “Having carefully considered the implications of supporting Andy to take on this major responsibility, it was clear that he was the right person to represent the Trust, the city and the country in such a vital role.”

Interim leadership arrangements for the Trust have been confirmed. Professor Kiran Patel, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, will take on role of interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Chief Strategy Officer Justine Richards will support Professor Patel as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.