Group Chief Executive among ‘top 50’ NHS leaders | News

Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, has once again been recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) as one of the top 50 Trust Chief Executives in England.

This marks the third consecutive year that Louise has earned a place on this prestigious list of healthcare leaders. 

Louise has served as Chief Executive of Royal Surrey for the past seven years, during which time she has led Royal Surrey County Hospital to an overall Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission. In January she stepped into the role of Group Chief Executive, expanding her leadership to include Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Joss Bigmore, Royal Surrey’s Chair said: "Being ranked among the top 50 for the third consecutive year is a remarkable achievement - especially as Louise stepped into the role of Group Chief Executive earlier this year. My warmest congratulations to her on this well-deserved recognition."

Louise started off her career as a nurse in 1988 working across a variety of specialities in a number of London teaching hospitals. She became Chief Executive of Royal Surrey in 2018 and prior to this held roles as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of Nursing. 

She has an MSc in Professional Practice (Leadership and Management), is a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey and specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission, participating in well-led reviews at other NHS trusts.

Louise chairs the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance and co-chairs the National Cancer Alliance Leadership Forum. She is also a Provider Partner Member of the NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board.