Harrison has worked in and around the health and care sector for nearly three decades. His career includes senior roles within the NHS and HM Treasury, and he brings significant NHS board experience to the role. Prior to joining Bedfordshire Hospitals, he spent 11 years on the board of a community health services provider in Essex, including four years as chair. He has also worked alongside several ICS boards.

Having served on Bedfordshire Hospitals' board for three years, Harrison stepped into the senior independent director role 18 months ago. He currently chairs the trust's Finance, Investment and Performance Committee and sits on several other board committees.

The trust's current chair, Richard Sumray, will step down at the end of his term on 31 March 2026. The board will relaunch the substantive recruitment process for the next chair later in 2026.

Sumray said: ‘Our priority has always been to ensure strong, stable leadership for the trust and for the patients and communities we serve. Extending the recruitment process for the next substantive chair allows us to secure the very best possible candidate for the future.

'In the meantime, David's deep knowledge of the trust, his extensive experience in the NHS and wider public sector, and his long-standing connection to Bedfordshire mean the board and I have full confidence in his ability to provide continuity and steady leadership during this period.'

Harrison said: 'I'm very much looking forward to picking up the chair baton from Richard for the 12 months following his departure. It's an important time for the trust both internally and externally.

'I'm also grateful to the board for entrusting me with the job of leading the recruitment of David Carter's successor as CEO of the trust — a crucial appointment for us.'