Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has officially welcomed new Chief Executive Pippa Nightingale MBE, who has joined the organisation following her appointment.
She succeeds Cathy Jones, who has served as Acting Chief Executive since the retirement of David Carter in May 2026.
Pippa Nightingale MBE joins Bedfordshire Hospitals from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, where she led a programme of major organisational improvement, enhanced research performance and delivered significant service transformation across a population of more than two million people.
A registered midwife by profession, she brings more than 25 years of clinical and executive leadership experience spanning acute, community and integrated care settings.
Speaking on her first day in post, Pippa Nightingale MBE said:
“I am delighted to be joining Bedfordshire Hospitals. The Trust has strong foundations and a clear commitment to delivering outstanding care. I look forward to working with staff, partners and our communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Bedfordshire and Luton, with a number of major regional developments expected to shape population growth, infrastructure and healthcare demand in the years ahead.
Chair David Harrison welcomed the new Chief Executive and highlighted the opportunities facing both the Trust and the wider region. He said:
“Pippa is an outstanding and values‑driven leader who joins us at a pivotal moment in Bedfordshire and Luton. With major developments such as East West Rail, the new town at Tempsford and the arrival of Universal Studios, this is an exciting time for our communities and our Trust.
“Pippa brings the experience, ambition and collaborative approach needed to lead Bedfordshire Hospitals confidently into the future. She will be joining an already high‑performing Executive Team, and together they will build on the strong foundations already in place.”
The Trust believes Pippa Nightingale MBE's extensive leadership experience and strong clinical background will help drive continued improvement across services, supporting its ambition to deliver outstanding care for patients across Bedfordshire and beyond.
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