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Joint CEO for two large hospital trusts

Published on: 25 Feb 2022
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A group chief executive will be appointed to run two hospital trusts with a combined turnover of £2.3bn.

Barts Health Trust and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust in London will share a chief executive as well as the chair they already have in common, it was announced today.

The move follows the announcement of Alwen Williams’ decision to step down at the end of July.

A joint CEO for the two trusts will mean all the acute trusts in north east London, apart from Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust, are run by the new appointee and chair Jacqui Smith.

In a statement posted on BHRUHT’s website, Ms Smith said: “Alwen Williams’ decision to step down from the leadership of the Barts Health group presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the NHS in east London. She has led Barts Health with enormous distinction and leaves us with a stronger trust at Barts Health and very encouraging progress in the collaboration with BHRUT.”

The statement appeared to say current BHRUHT chief executive Matthew Trainer would not apply for the group CEO role.

It said: “The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the collaboration [between the trusts] further, working with myself and Matthew Trainer, the trust CEO of BHRUT.

“This is a new role providing a strategic lead for the development of our two trusts and their work together. It will enable us to play a key role in the health system across north east London; to work effectively with partners in local government in tackling health inequalities; and to be a strong voice for our patients and their communities.”

Although they will share an accountable officer, both trusts will continue to be separate statutory organisations with their own boards.

The statement added: “These arrangements build on our success in developing the Barts Health group as an effective operating model for improving hospital performance. We intend to further develop the group model, with strengthened hospital leadership focused on providing high-quality care for their communities and playing a full role as partners in place-based leadership within the developing integrated care system.”

Two deputy chairs will be recruited.

Mr Trainer said: “It’s been a privilege working alongside Alwen. I believe the plans we’ve produced for her successor will ensure our two organisations continue to work together and improve. As CEO of BHRUT, I look forward to seeing the benefits our collaboration will bring to the people we serve.”