Defence Medical Services head appointed
Defence Minister Earl Howe has announced the appointment of Peter Homa as the new Director General of the Defence Medical Services.
The new Director General of the Defence Medical Services, Peter Homa. MOD Crown Copyright.
Peter Homa has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Defence Medical Services (DMS), to drive forward its ambitious transformation agenda.
He will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient and effective delivery of healthcare to Army, Navy and RAF personnel across the globe, overseeing over 6,700 specialist clinicians, and over 13,400 staff.
Mr Homa brings a wealth of experience from the NHS, where he worked his way from the role of hospital porter to Chief Executive of Nottingham NHS Trust, one of the biggest and busiest in the country; and chair of the NHS Leadership Academy.
With over 27 years’ experience in the healthcare sector, for which he was awarded a CBE in 2000, Mr Homa became General Manger of Leicester Royal Infirmary at the age of 32 and was responsible for the establishment of the NHS’ Commission for Health Improvement.
Mr Homa succeeds Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Reid, who has held the role of Surgeon General of the Defence Medical Services since 2018.
The Rt Hon Earl Howe, Minister of State for Defence said:
Peter brings with him a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership to this new role. As Chair of the NHS Leadership Academy, and with experience in leading three NHS Trusts, he is well placed to lead the transformation of the Defence Medical Services.
I also want to pay tribute to Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Reid, who has done an outstanding job leading the DMS over the last eight months.
Defence Medical Services has enjoyed a rich record of achievement in recent years, from the building and management of a world class field hospital in Sudan to the opening of the new state of the art Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre for injured personnel, all while providing the best military healthcare in the world.
Peter Homa, the new Director General, Defence Medical Services said:
It’s fantastic to be given the privilege of leading the Defence Medical Services, and we have one of the best military medicine operations in the world. I join a brilliant team and look forward to working with them.
We owe a huge debt to those who serve in uniform and I see my role as enhancing the already excellent care being provided to service personnel.
The new Director General was appointed following a fair and open competition, with applications from civilian and military candidates alike. Previously, the role has been held by military officers, who held the title of Surgeon General. Going forward, the role will continue to be open to serving and civilian candidates.