Nuffield Health Strengthens Board with appointment of two experienced health system leaders

Dominic Dodd is an experienced healthcare leader currently working on the adoption of new health technologies and pathways. Previously, he chaired UCL Partners, the health innovation partnership, and two NHS trusts: The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust.

He has served as vice chair of The King’s Fund, a trustee of UK Biobank and co-chair of the innovation workstream of the UK Government’s Life Sciences strategy.

Dr Sam Barrell CBE began her career as an anaesthetist before becoming a GP and progressing into senior NHS leadership roles, including Chief Executive of Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. 

She later served as Deputy CEO of the Francis Crick Institute and is currently CEO of LifeArc, a leading medical research charity translating early-stage science into health solutions.

Welcoming the appointments, Dr Natalie-Jane MacDonald, Chair of Nuffield Health, said:

“Nuffield Health is a special organisation, one that brings together its capabilities to make a unique contribution to the health of the nation. Our health and fitness teams deliver outstanding care and support to millions of people each year and we are pioneers in delivering movement-based treatment as a part of healthcare.

“Dominic and Sam’s exceptional experience in healthcare leadership and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to push boundaries in supporting the health of the UK.”

Last updated Monday 9 February 2026

First published on Monday 9 February 2026