A DIRECTOR at Dorset County Hospital has been recognised as a rising star in a leading health publication.

The hospital’s director of operations Patricia Miller has been included in a special supplement published by the Health Service Journal that highlights 25 healthcare leaders of the future.

News editor of the Health Service Journal Nick Golding said: “The NHS’s difficulties are well documented.

“High calibre leaders will be essential if the health service aims to improve clinical standards, reduce health inequalities and provide innovative treatments and services that are more in tune with patients’ needs in the decades ahead.

“Dedicated professionals from both clinical and managerial backgrounds will be the factor that ensures effort is directed in the right areas to ensure these challenges are met.

“We sought to produce a list of people who have shown they are willing to take the brave decisions that will safeguard the service’s future, while making it sustainable in the longer term.

“We sought to celebrate those who are not only working to deliver excellent patient care in the present, but also showing a vision of excellent care for the future.”

Patricia joined the hospital in 2011 and her citation praises her good relationship with clinicians, her clear direction and her focus on quality and innovation.

She has also forged strong links with partner organisations for the benefit of local patients.

The citation says: “People believe that her skills, relationships, drive and passion for quality will see her become a successful chief executive in the future.”

The judges add: “It sounds like Patricia is looking beyond her organisation and looking to the future in terms of the local health economy.”