We are delighted to announce that following a thorough and competitive recruitment process, Julie Smith has been appointed as the new Chief Executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and is due to join the Trust on 3rd May 2022.
Julie is a radiographer by background who held early clinical roles at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, the Rosie Maternity Hospital, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. In 2005 she re-joined CUH and held roles that included Ultrasound Manager, Operations Manager for Radiology, Associate Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and a period as acting Chief Operating Officer.
Julie also spent three years as Executive Intern, a role reporting directly to the Chair and Chief Executive leading on a range of Trust wide projects. Since 2018 she has been Chief Operating Officer of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
Andy Field, Chairman at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, says, “The Board and I look forward to welcoming Julie to Ashford and St Peter’s and to begin working together. Julie’s experience and expertise will help us build on our successes to date, and support the delivery of our vision to provide an outstanding experience and best outcome for patients and the team. I would also like to thank the Board of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust for their flexibility and helpfulness over Julie’s release date.”
On starting her new role at Ashford and St Peter’s Julie says, “I am thrilled to have been offered the role as Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and am looking forward to working with the amazing staff, governors, Board, and partners to deliver high-quality care to our patients and communities.”
Former Chief Executive, Suzanne Rankin left the Trust at the end of January to join Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as Chief Executive. Dr David Fluck will continue as Interim Chief Executive until the arrival of Julie Smith.
Picture copyright East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
