New appointment for Interim Group CEO after four years at gesh
Interim Group Chief Executive, James Blythe is to step down after being successfully appointed as the new permanent Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, starting in late Spring.
Group Chair, Sir Mark Lowcock, said: “On behalf everyone at gesh, I want to thank James stepping in to the Group CEO role over the last few months. In that time, James has helped us get onto a stronger financial footing, with the organisation set to hit its financial target for this year and with an ambitious plan for groupwide transformation over the next three years.
"He has led us through one of the busiest winters on record, secured investment into our services, and has championed equality to improve pay and conditions for some of our lowest paid workers.
“James was one of the original architects of our Group model, developing our shared ambition for greater collaboration to give patients the same high standards of care across our services and saving millions of pounds by reducing duplication.
"In his time at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals we have invested in frontline facilities and services, successfully implemented an Electronic Patient Record, and developed new services such as the Sutton Reablement Unit.
“James is leaving gesh on firmer foundations as an organisation that is actively listening to improve and innovate – including expanding our use of robotic surgery and AI to shorten waits and release clinical time to care.”
The Group’s new Chief Executive, Dr Mat Shaw will join gesh in April from one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, Great Ormond Street (GOSH), where he served as medical director, before his appointment as Chief Executive in March 2018.
James Blythe, Interim Group Chief Executive at gesh, said: “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at gesh and it’s been a privilege to work with so many inspiring colleagues.
"Over the last four years, my focus has always been supporting our people to deliver safe and effective care, and to ensure the organisation continues to innovate and improve. I’m looking forward to working with another fantastic team at the Royal Berkshire.”
James stepped up to lead the Group in September last year and was previously the Managing Director of Epsom and St Helier Hospitals for four years.
He has over 20 years’ experience in the NHS, having started his career as a management trainee at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in 2004.
