Welcome to our new Chief Financial Officer | News

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Rakesh Patel as Chief Financial Officer.

Rakesh, who is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, joins us after an extensive 24 years of working in the NHS, including his latest post as board-level director of finance for Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.

Rakesh, who lives in Coulsdon, said: "I am pleased to be joining the Trust at such an important and exciting time.  The hospitals have tackled a huge deficit in recent years, and with a continued focus on finances and patient experience, are capable of becoming sustainable and financially stable.  There is a direct link between financial sustainability and the quality of care hospitals can provide, and the environment in which patients are cared for.  I am committed to ensuring that we continue to improve the experience for our patients – putting them first.

“This is the strongest position that the hospitals have been in for a number of years, but there’s still work to do to make sure we can reach and maintain a breakeven position.  That said, the team has done an incredible job in recovering the finances while at the same time making great improvements to the services that we provide to our patients.

“I am genuinely looking forward to joining such a dedicated, committed and capable team”

Laurence Newman, Chairman of the Trust, said: "We are delighted that Rakesh is joining the Trust as Chief Finance Officer and as an executive member of the Board. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise which will prove invaluable as we continue to put patients at the heart of everything we do.”