Alwen Williams named as one of top 10 NHS chief executives
A prestigious list has recognised Barts Health NHS Trust’s Alwen Williams as one of the top ten chief executives in the country.
Following her appointment in 2015, Alwen Williams has led the Trust to an improved rating from its inspectors and reduced its deficit. Now her achievements have been recognised in the annual list from the Health Service Journal, which names her as number 9 out of all 249 trusts in the country.
When she joined the East London-based trust, three of its hospitals were rated as ‘inadequate’, but The Royal London, Newham and Whipps Cross hospitals have all since been upgraded to ‘requires improvement’. Meanwhile St Bartholomew’s Hospital has been rated as ‘good’.
Alwen was quick to attribute the accolade to the work of her colleagues, saying: “Our progress has been down to the extraordinary dedication and skill of all of our staff and the support we’ve had from our patients and partners. It’s great to be recognised in such a well-regarded list, judged by people I respect greatly, but the credit must go to all of team Barts Health.”
Althea Bart, manager of Healthwatch Waltham Forest – the independent organisation which represents the views of patients and the public – said: “It is fantastic to know that we have one of the best chief executives in the nation running our NHS Trust. I hope that Alwen continues lead with compassion and innovation; putting patients at the heart of all services.”
The judging panel comprised national NHS, trade union and charity leaders as well as journalists who took account of three main criteria in making their decisions:
- The personal example set by the chief executive.
- The performance of the organisation they lead, given the circumstances it is in.
- The contribution the chief executive has made to the wider health and social care system.