Thank you for five years, Matthew
Colleagues have paid a fond farewell to our outgoing Chief Executive Matthew Trainer as he prepares to begin a new chapter at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The farewell event was an opportunity to share memories, reflect on the progress made over the last five years and celebrate Matthew's contribution to the Trust.
Speaking at the event, Trust Chair Sarah Betteley said:
"Matthew joined BHRUT at a challenging time and has played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation. His leadership has helped restore confidence, pride and belief in what we can achieve together. We are a better organisation because of his leadership and wish him every success in his new role."
Interim Chief Executive Fiona Wheeler, who has worked alongside Matthew for more than a decade, highlighted the culture he helped create across the organisation.
She said: "Matthew has a unique ability to bring people together and make them feel valued and supported. He has helped create a culture where staff feel proud of where they work and motivated to make things better for patients. He leaves behind a stronger organisation and an important legacy that we will continue to build on."
Matthew joined BHRUT in 2021, when the Trust was emerging from the pandemic and facing significant operational challenges. During his tenure, the Trust was taken out of special measures, improved performance and introduced our electronic patient record.
Speaking at the farewell event, Matthew thanked colleagues for their support over the last five years.
He said: "The progress we've made over the last five years belongs to thousands of colleagues across BHRUT who have worked tirelessly to make things better for patients and staff. I came for the challenge, but I stayed for the people. It has been a privilege to be part of this organisation's journey."
As Matthew prepares to take up his new role at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the summer, everyone at BHRUT would like to thank him for his leadership, dedication and commitment over the last five years. We wish him every success for the future.