New Trust Chair for Sherwood Forest Hospitals

The Trust which runs Nottinghamshire’s King’s Mill, Mansfield Community and Newark Hospitals has confirmed Rukshana Kapasi OBE as its new Trust Chair.

Rukshana brings extensive experience from her 30-year career serving across the NHS and the charitable sectors, where she has worked in a range of commissioning, clinical, senior leadership and board-level roles.

Rukshana joins Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust having served as the Director of Health at the Barnardo’s children’s charity since 2020. She is also currently a non-executive director at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, where she has served as a member of the Board since July 2021.

“I am honoured to join Sherwood Forest Hospitals as its new Chair,” Rukshana said.

“I grew up in this local community and, like so many of our patients, I have seen firsthand the vital role our hospitals play in our lives. This personal connection drives my deep commitment to ensuring that every person in Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood receives the outstanding care and outcomes they deserve.

“I am looking forward to leading a strong Board team that fosters transformational thinking and an open and inclusive culture.
 
“I am excited to meet as many Trust colleagues as possible in the coming weeks to hear your views on how we can move forward together with ambition and hope for the future.”

Rukshana’s appointment was confirmed following a competitive process led by the Trust’s Council of Governors, which is responsible for appointing a new Trust Chair at NHS Foundation Trusts.

The Trust’s Lead Governor, Liz Barrett OBE DL, said: “Sherwood Forest Hospitals is a really important and precious ‘anchor’ institution that has a key part to play in improving lives across our local communities.

“The role of Chair is critical to providing challenge and support to ensure that Sherwood can be its very best and Rukshana’s understanding and connection with the local area really shone through, with her parents having lived in the local area for over 50 years.

“Her passion to champion health equalities will also be vital in helping to ensure that Sherwood’s services meet the needs of all of the communities we serve.”

Rukshana will officially take-up her role on Monday 6 July 2026. Her appointment follows the arrival of the Trust’s new substantive Chief Executive, Jon Melbourne, in October 2025.

She will succeed the Trust’s current Chair, Graham Ward, after he served his maximum term with the Trust. He has served as a Non-Executive Director with the Trust since December 2015 and as the Trust’s Chair since May 2024 – first as Acting Chair before he took over the role on a substantive basis in February 2025.

“In announcing Rukshana’s appointment, I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding service of our outgoing Trust Chair, Graham Ward, who has served Sherwood and our local communities brilliantly during his time with the Trust,” the Trust's Lead Governor added.