Alwen announces her intention to step down as group chief executive
Alwen Williams has announced her intention to step down as Barts Health group chief executive later this year. In almost seven years in the role, she has led the trust to become one of the most respected NHS organisations in the country.
“It has not been an easy decision to step down after over 40 years NHS service. I have worked with the most committed, talented and hard-working colleagues to improve healthcare services in east London for many years,” she said.
“I am very proud of all that we’ve done together as #TeamBarts and no more so than in the last two years of the Covid pandemic. Barts Health has an exciting future ahead with the Whipps Cross redevelopment, Barts Life Sciences and the future collaboration with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) and other partners within the North East London integrated care system.
“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead Barts Health as my last full- time role in the NHS - it has been a huge privilege to be your Chief Executive. I will step down at the end of July, but will ensure that we focus on our key priorities in the months ahead as we continue to deliver our Covid recovery plans and support our teams as best we can.”
Jacqui Smith, chair in common of the Trust and BHRUT, said:
“Alwen has done a fantastic job in leading a successful turnaround in the fortunes of Barts Health. The team she built has taken one of the country’s biggest acute trusts out of special measures, and established an effective group model to deal with the challenges the NHS faces for the future.”
“Alwen’s exemplary leadership will be sorely missed, both within the group and among our partners across north east London. After consulting colleagues I will make a further announcement as soon as possible about arrangements for recruiting a successor.”