Claire Oatridge

PHL Group Chief Executive Officer

I was incredibly lucky to start my healthcare career as a graduate at BUPA, where I delved into the intricacies of insurance, call centres, care homes and hospitals, finding my passion in the nitty-gritty of hospital operations and the close connection to patients.

My early career years at the then BUPA Hospital Portsmouth focused on honing my customer service and leadership skills and working closely with NHS partners in large scale outsourcing contracts.  A move to Spire Southampton coincided with the transformation from BUPA to Spire Hospitals and I was able to truly make my mark, spearheading operational initiatives, driving capital projects and pioneering innovative healthcare solutions, including a ground breaking community-based weight reduction program.

My desire for a smaller, more innovative environment led me join the PHL Group in January 2016, climbing the ranks from Commercial Director to Chief Executive Officer in 2026.  I work really hard to champion the values of “Truly Care,” “Team First,” and “Pioneering Innovation” the PHL Group core values that guide us as an organisation.

It’s my job to enable my team to Truly Care, ensuring that my team deliver operational solutions and processes where clinicians can focus on delivering exceptional care. 

Team First is more than just a mantra for me, it’s a guiding principle. I believe that a well-led and supported team translates directly to improved patient care. By fostering a culture that nurtures and by delivering honest feedback, I empower my teams to excel and create positive outcomes for patients.

Pioneering Innovation defines my approach to healthcare. From setting up services that challenge the status quo to empowering my teams to innovate, we have to be relentless in our pursuit of better healthcare delivery.  We also have to ensure that services closely align with customer needs, and that we collaborate and partner with Commissioners to evolve healthcare offerings, and keep a keen eye on market trends to adapt and innovate.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.