Earlier this week, my colleague Alwen Williams announced her intention to step down as Group Chief Executive of Barts Health at the end of July.

Following Alwen’s decision, our Chair in common Jacqui Smith has announced the intention to recruit a Group CEO who will be the accountable officer for both trusts and will be responsible for developing the collaboration further. You can read Jacqui’s announcement on our website.

I will continue leading BHRUT’s Executive team, running our two hospitals and working with partners as the new arrangements for the integrated care system develop.

I believe these plans will ensure our two organisations continue to work together and improve and I look forward to seeing the benefits our collaboration will bring to the people we serve.

It’s been a privilege to work alongside Alwen and I wish her all the best for the future.

Jubilee ITU opens at Queen’s Hospital

I’m delighted that we welcomed local politicians to open our new state-of-the-art Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Queen’s Hospital. In recognition of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne this year, the £7.5m investment has been named the Jubilee ITU and will be crucial in helping us manage critical care demand.

At its official opening on 15 February, we welcomed Romford MP Andrew Rosindell who cut the ribbon, Havering Council’s Leader Damian White, Health Scrutiny Chair Councillor Nisha Patel, and Health and Wellbeing Board Chair Councillor Jason Frost.

They were able to see how we’ve transformed an area previously used for storage into a modern 15-bed facility, which will also be key in supporting our work to reduce surgical waiting lists. The increase in beds provides flexibility to treat people who have been waiting for operations more quickly.

And one week later was a remarkable day for Maternity…

Tuesday was the 22 February, which was 22/02/2022, and our Maternity Department were kept busy with the birth of…22 babies.

One of the babies born was Aurora, who missed out on the birth time of 22.22 by just three minutes when she entered the world at 22.19. I was delighted to hear her mum Imogen, who lives in Romford, praise our Maternity team for looking after her so well during the labour.

Well done to our Maternity team and congratulations to all the parents who now have a little one with a very special date of birth.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

Kind regards,

Matthew Trainer
Chief Executive