There is understandable and growing public disquiet about ongoing delays to treatment which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. It is a source of pride for our organisation that by the end of March we had reduced to zero the number of people waiting more than a year and a half to be seen

“Works for staff. Works for patients. Works for the taxpayer. Impressive!” This was the judgment of Chris Hopson, NHS England’s Chief Strategy Officer, after he spent time at our Elective Surgical Hub at King George Hospital (KGH). Another visitor who left impressed by what he had seen was NHS England’s Chief Operating Officer, Sir David Sloman, who spoke of how our Trust was doing some “brilliantly innovative things”.

I hope you had an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. Celebrations at the Trust included a party, organised by our charity, for more than 70 children we’ve looked after and a visit by West Ham players to the children’s wards. The relationship with the Premier League club is an invaluable one that we’re keen to deepen.

The independent report into maternity services in East Kent is a profoundly depressing and sobering read. The failings it identifies serve as a reminder to this Board of our responsibility to listen to the women and families who use our service; to ensure the care we provide expectant mothers is safe; and to be fully aware of the culture in the department.

The cost of living crisis and a looming recession are on everyone’s mind as we deal with the impact of rising prices. The need to spend money wisely is also, quite rightly, a Trust priority.

We are involved in several long-term projects with our partners that represent a significant investment in healthcare in north east London (NEL). They will have a transformative impact on the lives of patients and staff in the years to come.

It is heartening how the pandemic is no longer dominating our lives as it once did. The number of patients we are treating with Covid-19 is reducing and we’ve eased the visitor restrictions that were in place. A significant factor in these changes is the success of the vaccine programme and we are offering the jab to five to 11-year-olds at the King George Hospital (KGH) Vaccination Hub

One of the joys of being the CEO of our two hospitals is the opportunity it affords me to celebrate my many talented colleagues. I used an appearance in January on the flagship Today programme on BBC Radio 4 to highlight the innovation and learning that has come out of the pandemic.

I would like to wish all readers of my report a belated Happy New Year and I hope you managed to rest and recharge over the Christmas period.

I’m sure I’m not alone in believing that now, more than at any other time, we must treasure the NHS and those who work for it.