Baroness Elaine Murphy Appointed as New Chair of Council

Baroness Murphy

Baroness Elaine Murphy of Aldgate has been appointed as Chair of Council for St George’s, University of London. She succeeds Baroness Julia Cumberlege and takes up her post in September 2006.

Baroness Murphy has a long career in health services and is currently Chairman of the North East London Strategic Health Authority.Previously she chaired East London and the City Health Authority, and City and Hackney Community Services NHS Trust, and prior to that she was Vice-Chairman of the Mental Health Act Commission. In May 1994 she was appointed an independent (crossbench) life peer and takes a special interest in health and social care, prisons and higher education in the Lords.Her interest in higher education has already extended to working with the University of London and City University.

Baroness Murphy worked as a doctor and clinical academic in the National Health Service for 25 years, most recently as Foundation Professor of Psychiatry of Old Age at the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals (now part of King’s College). From 1984 to 1997 she was also a general manager in the NHS, including three years as District General Manager (Chief Executive) of Lewisham and North Southwark Health Authority. Murphy was the Chief Medical Officer’s Personal Advisor in her final clinical years and UK Advisor in Mental Health to the WHO until 2003.

Baroness Murphy said “I am absolutely delighted to be joining such an innovative and forward looking university at this exciting and challenging time in its development.I am very much looking forward to meeting staff and students as well as my fellow council members.”

Principal of St George’s, Professor Michael Farthing commented “I am delighted that Baroness Elaine Murphy has agreed to be our next Chair of Council. Her vast breadth of experience in the National Health Service coupled with strong commitment to Higher Education, will be a tremendous asset to St George's and I very much look forward to working with her in the future.”

Baroness Julia Cumberlege is stepping down after serving as Chair of Council for six years.She said "Retiring from St. George's is tinged with sadness but mitigated in the knowledge that my successor is a delightful person who will bring talent, wisdom, energy and knowledge to the post. I wish Elaine every success and believe the Medical School has chosen well for its future."