Professor Lesley Dwyer has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive of the newly-formed Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, which brings together The James Paget University Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.
The aim of the group model is to streamline decision-making and focus delivery of care locally in order to enhance the hospital experience and outcomes for patients across Norfolk and Waveney. The appointment is the second to be announced after Mark Friend was named as the Group Chair at the end of March.
Background
Lesley is currently CEO of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals and will begin her new role on 5th May.
She has over 30 years’ healthcare management experience having been CEO of Central Adelaide Local Health Network, the biggest health authority in South Australia, prior to her appointment at the NNUH in early 2024.
She was also formerly Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust in Kent between 2015 and 2018, where she helped lift the organisation out of quality Special Measures and into a well-led “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission.
‘A significant step’
Lesley said: “Our group model marks a significant step in the journey of collaboration between our three hospitals and will bring many benefits to both staff and patients in the coming years.
“The creation of our group model will ensure provision remains sustainable and continues to be delivered as locally as possible. Strategic decisions will soon be taken by the Group Broad, but the delivery of care, that which matters most to our patients, will continue to be local hospital based.”
‘Wealth of experience’
Group Chair Mark Friend said: “Lesley has a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership gained in both the UK and Australia and has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our hospitals and the wider Norfolk and Waveney Healthcare system.
“I know she shares my passion to bring together the best of what we do across our hospitals and deliver better integrated care for our patients.”
Further executive appointments to the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group will take place over the coming weeks.
