West Ham stars surprised patients, their families and a number of Hammers fans on a recent trip to our hospitals giving them a well needed boost this Christmas.

We are pleased to have appointed Nic Kane as our Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). She is replacing Kathryn Halford who is retiring as CNO after a distinguished career that saw her awarded an OBE.

We are pleased to have appointed Professor Andrew Deaner as our new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Andrew was born at the old Ilford Maternity Hospital that became part of King George Hospital (KGH).

Army cadets from 4 Company, based in Romford, visited Tropical Lagoon Children’s Ward on Thursday 12 December.

Local schoolchildren have been bringing festive cheer to our hospitals while raising money for the King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity, by singing around our Christmas tree.

The Tanzanian High Commissioner and the country’s Health Minister were among guests at our first Global Health event to celebrate the partnerships and collaborations established by our staff with organisations around the world.

We held a special Christmas lunch at The Cranleigh in Hornchurch on Monday 9 December for volunteers who give up their time to help us.

A massive congratulations to Bluebell A at Queen’s Hospital, which achieved gold in our ward accreditation.

We’re tackling our waiting list for patients who need cataract surgery – carrying out more than triple the usual number on day one of a new project, with 20 operations completed, compared to six on an average previously.

We’ve opened a Women’s Health Hub in the Ilford Exchange Shopping Centre, in collaboration with partners including NHS North East London, making it easier for women to get the care they need while helping to reduce the health inequalities they face.