Dear colleague,

This week, we welcomed 1,300 future doctors, nurses and scientists from primary and secondary schools across Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge to Queen’s Hospital to talk to our staff about the wide variety of roles across the NHS.

Alongside asking questions and hearing from our staff, there were plenty of hands on opportunities by looking under a microscope, intubating a ‘dummy’ patient, preparing patients for surgery, and using an ultrasound machine.

Daniel, a year six pupil at John Perry Primary School, Dagenham, said: “I learned how to help if there is something in your throat where you breathe, and how to get it out. I want to be a surgeon, it’s interesting to me and it will match my personality.”

Watch the video on our website to give an idea of just some of the things they got up to.

It was part of a series of events, ‘Celebrating BHRUT’, which we’re arranging for our staff and their families, our volunteers and local communities.

Congratulations Fiona and welcome Hilary

We announced earlier this week that Fiona Wheeler, our Chief Operating Officer, is also taking on the position of Deputy Chief Executive.

During her time at here, she has been instrumental in our recent improvements in tackling our waiting lists and A&E performance, and the work we’ve been doing to develop resilient services.

Fiona will deputise when necessary for myself, will also represent our Trust in Havering as part of what’s known as a place-based partnership; and play a crucial role in the work we’re doing as members of an acute provider collaborative with Barts Health and Homerton Healthcare.

We also welcomed Professor Hilary Thomas as a joint non-executive director with our Trust and Barts Health who will chair our Quality Assurance Committee.

She brings a wealth of experience and has held roles including medical director at The Royal Surrey County Hospital and chief medical advisor at KPMG.

Best wishes

Matthew Trainer

Chief Executive