TWO new non-executive directors have been appointed to the board of the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.

Jonathan Lewis and Deborah Oakley started their four-year terms on Friday, April 1and will receive £6,096-a-year as remuneration for their work for the hospital trust.

Mr Lewis, a former head of channel strategy for MTV and director of ITV digital channels, is now chief executive of Social Investment Business which manages a portfolio of funds of around £400m of social investments, Ms Oakley has 20 years of financial investment experience, leading a team managing £500m worth of assets and has been a non-0executive director of NHS Camden since 2007.

She has also declared a position with the Health Protection Agency which is held until next year.

Dominic Dodd, chairman of the trust said: “We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan and Deborah to the board.

By adding Jonathan’s experience in investment and the third sector and Deborah’s experience in finance and audit, I am confident we have the board we need to lead the Royal Free through the challenges ahead.”

The hospital is currently pushing for foundation status, which would give it greater control over its own finances.

Their appointment comes in the wake of the departure of Raj Chada, who has served on the board for four years.

He said: “"I am sad to leave the Royal Free but pay tribute to the staff, clinicians and members of this fabulous hospital. They have always sought to provide the very best care to patients and I wish them all well in the future."