Dr Paul Shannon  MBChB, MBA

Constituency: Clinical Informatics 

Industry Sector:  Public/Private

Employing Organisation:  Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHSFT and CSC

Job Title:  Consultant Anaesthetist and Medical Director for CSC

Biography

Paul is 45 years old, married to Anne-Marie for 19 years, with two children (Amy, 17 and John, 14). He is a highly-qualified and experienced consultant anaesthetist and medical leader at local, regional and national levels. Paul has recently been appointed as the Medical Director for CSC, the LSP for 60% of NPfIT.

As a Consultant Anaesthetist, Paul has wide experience of working on the frontline of the NHS. He is also involved in managing change in the health service and was a National Clinical Lead for the Choose and Book Programme of NHS Connecting for Health.

Paul was Medical Director for Nations Healthcare Ltd, an Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) provider. In 2003, he gained an Executive MBA (distinction) from Leeds University Business School and has a particular interest in the role of personal and leadership development in managing change.

Paul says:

"I see IT as the ’step-change’ technology that could revolutionise healthcare. Many industries have transformed themselves by investing heavily in IT and completely changed the way they do business. They have recouped their investment many times over and now couldn’t really envisage working in the old ways. But, for some reason, healthcare seems difficult to do. I recognise the crucial importance of leadership in effecting change and am constantly learning from diverse networks, including this one! I believe UKCHIP is well-positioned to provide such leadership.

My vocation is eloquently expressed in my alma mater’s motto (Leeds University Medical School):

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matt 10:8)

My values are the ancient medical aphorisms:

‘Primum non nocere’ (First of all, do no harm), Hippocrates

‘Guérir parfois, soulager souvent, consoler toujours’ (Heal sometimes, relieve often, comfort always), Ambroise Paré

By keeping IT programmes focused on these core values, clinical engagement will be assured, which is essential for the success of the venture."