I hope this finds you well.

I’d like to start by welcoming the Rt Hon. Jacqui Smith, who has started her role as the new Chair in common for both our Trust and Barts Health.

I know Jacqui is looking forward to meeting many of you over the coming weeks and I’m sure you will give her the same warm welcome you’ve given me, which has been appreciated.

If you’ve not had the chance to see it yet, watch Jacqui’s video to see how she spent her first few days in the role, including having her flu jab at Queen’s Hospital.

I’ve also had mine, and we continue to encourage our workforce to have theirs.

With flu co-circulating alongside Covid-19 this year, it is more important than ever to protect yourself, as research has shown that there is an increased risk of getting seriously ill if you catch both viruses at the same time.

If you’ve not had yours yet, book your flu jab ASAP.

Winter Director appointed

We are continuing to work with our partners in the NHS and with our local authorities to help us manage the expected demand over the winter months.

To strengthen our response, my colleague Ayo Ahonkhai has been appointed as our Winter Director to help deal with the anticipated pressures.

Ayo brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously been our Divisional Director for Acute Medicine and more recently our Divisional Director for Frailty and Geriatrics.

Working with our divisions and partners, he will make sure we have the right plans in place to support our urgent and emergency care service and reduce waiting list backlogs, while also being prepared for an increase in Covid-19 admissions.

Our recent capital investment will also help, including our Emergency Department upgrade at King George Hospital and our £11.5m critical care investment due to be completed over the coming weeks.

Join our virtual events and have your say on our services

We’re refreshing our clinical strategy to make sure we deliver the very best services to our communities now and in the future and it’s crucial our local residents are part of this process.

Our recent online survey helped us to initially understand how people access their care in our hospitals and in the community. We received more than 1,200 responses and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to promote and complete it.

As part of the next phase of the refresh, we’re hosting three virtual public listening events next week, for residents to help us understand how we can best improve services for their communities.

Please share the event details and register for the virtual event for the borough you live in.

• Monday 18 October, 6-8pm: Barking and Dagenham
• Tuesday 19 October, 6-8pm: Havering
• Thursday 21 October, 6-8pm: Redbridge

I would very much appreciate seeing you there. Please encourage others.

My Executive colleagues and I look forward to welcoming you and to working with you to make sure we get this right for our patients.

Kind regards,

Matthew Trainer
Chief Executive