Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have announced the appointment of Louise Stead as their Group Chief Executive Officer.
This strategic appointment follows the trusts' decision in October to establish a collaborative group model, aimed at leveraging shared strengths and improving patient care.
Louise Stead, who will assume her new role on 6th January 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the position. She has been the Chief Executive Officer at Royal Surrey since 2018 and previously served as Chief Nurse. Her leadership is anticipated to drive the trusts towards achieving their shared vision of excellence in healthcare delivery.
Commenting on her appointment, Louise said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer at this pivotal moment in both trusts’ history as we embark on this exciting collaboration.
“I am committed to enhancing our collective strengths and successes; recognising and valuing that we are two separate organisations with different cultures and ways of doing things but also sharing the same passion and absolute dedication to our patients and to each other.
“I am looking forward to working with new colleagues at Ashford and St Peter’s and partners within North West Surrey listening and learning, building trust and helping people to make useful connections.
“My appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer is just the start of this innovative journey and we will set our longer-term vision of what success looks like for our group model together. I know that at the heart of this will be a commitment to providing the best possible care and outcomes for our patients and a positive and supportive environment for colleagues working across all parts of the group.”
The new group model represents a strategic collaboration between the two trusts, which will remain separate entities with their own executive teams, boards, and councils of governors. This initiative is not a merger but a partnership designed to foster innovation and efficiency in healthcare services. By working together, the trusts aim to explore new and effective ways to deliver the highest quality care and enhance patient and staff experiences.
Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s complement each other, with both trusts being comparable in size and offer complementary services and expertise, making this collaboration a natural fit. The group model is expected to harness these synergies to benefit the communities they serve.
Chief Executive Officer at the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, and Integrated Care Board, Karen McDowell, also said:
“This group model is a big step forward in enabling greater collaboration between services across the two trusts to benefit patients. I welcome the appointment of Louise into the group CEO role, bringing her wide experience, drive and determination at this crucial time for the NHS and our health and care system. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her across this wider remit.”
The establishment of this group model marks a forward-thinking approach to healthcare management in the UK. By combining resources and expertise, Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s aim to set new standards in patient care and operational efficiency. Health leaders across the UK will be watching closely as this innovative partnership unfolds.
Image credit: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
