Lesley Watts takes on NHS London role alongside two hospital trusts

Lesley Watts CBE has been appointed interim regional director for NHS London while continuing to serve as chief executive of two hospital trusts.

Watts currently leads Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She will retain responsibility for both organisations, supported by their executive leadership teams, while NHS England continues its recruitment process for a permanent regional director.

The London regional team works with integrated care boards, hospital trusts, mental health and community providers across the capital. Its responsibilities include overseeing performance, supporting service improvement and coordinating the delivery of national NHS priorities across one of England’s largest and most complex health systems.

Watts said her commitment to the two hospital trusts remained unchanged and that they would continue to focus on providing high-quality care and supporting staff. She added that the regional appointment would allow her to bring the experience and perspectives of local hospitals and communities into wider NHS work across London.

The appointment is temporary, although no date has been announced for the selection of a permanent regional director. Watts succeeds Dame Caroline Clarke in the London leadership role while the substantive recruitment process is completed.

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