Monitor has supported St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as it strengthens its leadership by helping the care provider appoint a new chair.

Sir David Henshaw will assume the role of interim Chair at St George’s with immediate effect. He replaces acting Chair Sarah Wilton, whose term comes to an end with this appointment. Monitor would like to thank Sarah for her valuable contribution during her time in post.

Over the last few months, St George’s governors and Monitor have worked closely together on recruiting an experienced leader for the organisation, who would be able to bring about lasting improvements in the trust’s finances and operations.

Mark Turner, Regional Director at Monitor said:

By appointing a seasoned NHS leader with real experience of turning around trusts in difficulty, St George’s is making a massive step forward in tackling the financial and operational issues it faces.

Sir David has a proven track record, and will bring valuable experience to the trust as it seeks to secure high quality services for patients across South London for years to come.

Sir David brings extensive public and private sector leadership experience, with a particular emphasis on improvement activity, of leading change and transforming organisational performance.

As Chair of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Sir David has recently guided the trust to a “good” overall rating by the independent Care Quality Commission. Sir David will continue in his role as Chair at Alder Hey.