I’m delighted to let you know we've appointed Fiona Wheeler as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Fiona has been leading our planned care recovery programme for the past year and has done an exceptional job helping to cut waiting lists.

For the first time in quite a while, all our senior leaders are substantive appointments and the stability this brings will greatly benefit our patients and staff.

Junior doctor industrial action

There will be a 72-hour junior doctor strike next week, from 7am on Wednesday 14 June to 7am on Saturday 17 June.

As with previous strikes, services at our hospitals will be affected, and while both hospitals will be open, we’re cancelling a large number of outpatient appointments and planned surgery so that senior doctors can help us keep core emergency and inpatient services running. We are prioritising our most urgent patients, such as our cancer patients and those who have waited a very long time for treatment.

We’re also asking people to think very carefully before they attend our A&Es - the reality is they will face longer waits due to reduced staffing, and people who are not unwell enough to need emergency care may be asked to go elsewhere.

As I have said before, I have sympathy for the concerns junior doctors have over their pay and conditions. They are a hugely valuable part of our workforce.

Celebrating our staff

We marked this year’s Volunteer week with a special afternoon tea at Queen’s Hospital on Monday. As our Chair Jacqui Smith said: “Our volunteers make such a big difference to our patients and staff, and our hospitals are much better places to work and be cared for because of them. This week provides a great opportunity to show our appreciation for everything they do, as well as encourage others who are interested in becoming a volunteer to look at the variety of roles we have.”

We have almost 350 volunteers and are looking for more people to become mealtime assistants, A&E befrienders, and outpatient clinic volunteers. It’s incredibly rewarding; if you’re interested, find out more on our website.

I’d also like to thank and congratulate our Urogynaecology team who have been reaccredited by the British Society of Urogynaecology. We have the only unit in north east London and Essex to receive this, in recognition of the care we provide for women with bladder or pelvic floor conditions such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, and pelvic floor injury following childbirth.

Save the dates

Some of you may know I’m a keen runner, so I was very pleased to see an initiative from our doctors who are helping patients by holding a 30-minute walk, jog, or run with them. It’s taking place at Raphael Park on Saturday 24 June at 3pm. Find out more on our website. Exercise is one of the very best things you can do for your health, alongside spending time with other people. I am delighted that some of our doctors want to join our patients in this way - it’s a wonderful idea.

I’m also encouraging staff to take part in the NHS 75 “parkrun for the NHS” on Saturday 8 July. I hope you will join us to celebrate this milestone in the history of the NHS by taking part in a local 5k run or walk. I’ll be running one of our four local runs and I know many of you are intending to join in – I look forward to seeing you on the day!

And the day after the NHS turns 75, we’re hosting our Annual General Meeting. It’s taking place virtually on Thursday 6 July from 9.15 to 10.45am and I hope you’ll be able to join to hear from Jacqui Smith and myself as we reflect on our achievements over the last year.

Lastly, I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight that it’s Pride month, and we’re taking this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our staff and residents.

Best wishes,

Matthew Trainer