Southern Cross Healthcare has added two new members of its executive team. Dr Manoj Patel will join as chief transformation officer and David Simpson will take up the role of strategic adviser to the CEO.

As chief transformation officer, Patel will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing Southern Cross’ entry into providing “value-based” care. He will begin in this role in April.

Patel trained and worked as a doctor before extending his career into commercial and clinical service delivery roles both in New Zealand and overseas. He will join Southern Cross from Healthcare Holdings Ltd, where he has been director of medical services, MercyAscot Private Hospitals and director of clinical innovation.

Simpson will be responsible for providing external industry insights, experience and strategic advice to assist the CEO and broader executive team. Simpson, who will join Southern Cross this month from Accenture, has an extensive background in highly complex and commercial healthcare organisations.

“These two new roles will bring additional capabilities and experience from the broader healthcare sectors here and overseas – particularly in value-based care,” said Southern Cross Healthcare interim CEO Chris White. “Both Manoj and David are highly regarded leaders and experts in their respective fields, and we are delighted to have them join our executive leadership team.”