New Chief Executive appointed at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Tony Bell OBE has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, one of the country’s best performing NHS trusts.

He will succeed Heather Lawrence OBE who is currently Chief Executive of the Trust. She will leave Chelsea and Westminster this summer after 12 successful years as Chief Executive. Tony Bell is Chief Executive designate until his start date is confirmed in due course.

Tony Bell has 30 years’ experience of working in the NHS and a strong clinical background, having trained originally as a nurse.

Tony has been Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, a major university teaching hospital, since 2007.

He was previously Chief Executive of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and was awarded the OBE for services to healthcare in 1996.

Tony Bell’s appointment was approved at last week’s meeting of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors which includes elected representatives of patients, members of the public and staff.

Tony says: “I am looking forward to working with so many talented and dedicated staff who have helped make Chelsea andWestminster one of the most highly regarded NHS trusts in the country.

“I aim to lead the Trust forward to continued success, building on the strong foundations provided by the hard work of all staff under the leadership of Heather Lawrence to provide the best possible care for patients.”

Professor Sir Christopher Edwards, Chairman of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, says: “I am delighted that Tony Bell is set to join us as our new Chief Executive.

“I believe that Chelsea and Westminster will have a very bright future under Tony’s leadership, in partnership with our strong Executive team and our hardworking staff.

“I would also like to thank Heather Lawrence for everything she has done to make Chelsea and Westminster a real NHS success story.”

Tony Bell’s start date will be confirmed in due course.