Professor Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been named as the new National Medical Director for the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.
The appointment means Professor Swords will become the most senior doctor in the NHS in England. She will be responsible for providing clinical leadership and future direction for health and social care at a national level.
Professor Swords held the role of Executive Medical Director within NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB since July 2022 and, more recently, across Suffolk and North East Essex ICB. The two bodies were brought together as the Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, launching on 1 April 2026.
Prior to these roles, she was Medical Director at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.
‘Incredibly honoured’
Professor Swords said: “I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as National Medical Director.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside colleagues across Norfolk, Suffolk and north east Essex, and to support improvements in care for local people and communities.
“I am looking forward to taking on this role and continuing to champion high-quality, compassionate and evidence-based care for patients across England.”
‘A highly respected clinician’
The Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, Ed Garratt OBE, congratulated Professor Swords on her appointment, saying: “I am delighted for Frankie and extremely proud of her achievement.
“She is a highly respected clinician who brings vast experience, insight and leadership, all of which will be essential in such a high-profile national role.
“The fact that Frankie has spent a significant part of her career in Norfolk and Suffolk makes her appointment especially pleasing for our local system.
“I know she will make a huge success of this position, and I wish her every success.”
Professor Swords will begin her new role in June.