The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, The James Paget University Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn have today announced the appointment of Professor Lesley Dwyer as Group Chief Executive (CEO) of the newly formed Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group.
Lesley who is currently CEO of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH) will begin the group role on 5th May.
The appointment follows a decision by the Boards of all three Trusts to establish a group model which will deliver better outcomes for the population we serve. Professor Dwyer will oversee the strategic direction and delivery at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, The James Paget University Hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.
Group Chair, Mark Friend, said: "Lesley has a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership gained in both the UK and Australia and has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our hospitals and the wider Norfolk and Waveney Healthcare system.
"I know she shares my passion to bring together the best of what we do across our hospitals and deliver better integrated care for our patients.”
Prof Dwyer has over 30 years healthcare management experience. Prior to becoming CEO of the NNUH in early 2024, she was CEO of Central Adelaide Local Health Network, the biggest health authority in South Australia with more than 18,000 staff.
She was Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust in Kent between 2015 and 2018, where she helped lift the organisation out of quality Special Measures and into a well led “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission.
Lesley said: “Our group model marks a significant step in the journey of collaboration between our three hospitals and will bring many benefits to both staff and patients in the coming years.
“The creation of our group model will ensure provision remains sustainable and continues to be delivered as locally as possible. Strategic decisions will soon be taken by the Group Broad, but the delivery of care, that which matters most to our patients, will continue to be local hospital based.”
Further executive appointments to the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group will take place over the coming weeks.