Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Ilene Machiva as its new Director of Midwifery and Deputy Chief Nurse, a key leadership role overseeing maternity services at Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
Ilene will take up the post on 1 June 2026, returning to the Trust from The Rosie Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where she is currently serving as Director of Midwifery.
Ilene Machiva brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of maternity services within Bedfordshire Hospitals, having previously worked at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for over two decades.
Most recently, she held the role of Director of Midwifery at The Rosie Hospital, one of the UK’s leading maternity units. Her return is expected to strengthen leadership continuity and support ongoing improvements across local maternity and gynaecology services.
Ilene previously served as Head of Midwifery at L&D from March 2020 to November 2022, playing a crucial role in leading maternity services through the COVID‑19 pandemic.
During this period, she supported teams in maintaining safe, high‑quality care for women, babies and families during unprecedented operational and workforce pressures.
Ilene’s career in healthcare began in 1995, following her training as a nurse and midwife. She first joined L&D in 2002 as a registered midwife and went on to progress through a number of senior clinical and leadership roles, including:
- Senior Midwife
- Clinical Midwifery Manager
- Consultant Midwife
In 2022, she moved to Northampton General Hospital as Director of Midwifery, before progressing to the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group Director of Midwifery role.
Her career trajectory reflects a strong commitment to workforce development, clinical quality and compassionate leadership within maternity services.
In her new role at Bedfordshire Hospitals, Ilene will have responsibility for a wide portfolio of services, including:
- Maternity care
- Gynaecology services
- Collaboration across perinatal pathways
She will also play a key role in strengthening joint working with neonatal services, supporting a joined‑up approach to care across the perinatal pathway and improving outcomes for women and babies.
Commenting on her new role, Ilene said:
“I am honoured to be stepping into the role of Director of Midwifery and Deputy Chief Nurse, particularly at a Trust so dear to my heart.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring we provide the best care possible for families who place their trust in our care during their pregnancy journey, and equally passionate about uplifting and supporting incredible colleagues who make that care possible every single day.
“Together we will deliver significant improvements which will enable us to continue providing safe and high-quality care for the community we serve.”
With extensive experience across district general hospitals, teaching hospitals and integrated NHS groups, Ilene is well placed to support maternity teams and continue delivering safe, compassionate and high‑quality care across Bedford and Luton.
Image credit: iStock
