Royal Surrey to Welcome New Chair for Its Board of Directors

Published on: 11 Feb, 2017
Updated on: 14 Feb, 2017

Sue Sjuve

The Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) has announced the appointment of Sue Sjuve as the new chairperson of its board of directors.

Ms Sjuve will be joining the hospital trust board at the beginning of March from Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, where she has been chair for the last five years.

A RSCHS press release said: “She will bring with her a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in banking and commercial organisations, leading strategic and operational change management, with a particular emphasis on diversity.”

Royal Surrey’s Chief Executive, Paula Head, who took up her post in September (2016) , worked previously with Sue at Sussex.

Paula Head

She said: “I was really pleased when Sue applied for the post because she brings substantial experience in healthcare and is dedicated to supporting staff to provide high quality patient care.

“We are delighted that Royal Surrey appointed a chair with such a range of expertise and experience and we look forward to Sue starting at the beginning of March.”

Dr Jan Whitby, the trust’s lead governor, said: “Following a rigorous recruitment process we are delighted to welcome Sue as our new chair. We are confident she will make an excellent addition to the Board and provide ongoing direction and motivation as chairperson of the Council of Governors.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sue Sjuve said: “I am inspired by the excellent treatment and services that Royal Surrey provides to Surrey and the surrounding areas.

“I am looking forward to joining the team and getting to know patients, staff and the organisation as a whole.”

John Denning

Ms Sjuve will replace John Denning who will be leaving the trust at the end of February having served the Royal Surrey County Hospital for eight years, first as a non-executive director and most recently as chairman.

The press release stated: “John has used his wealth of experience to support Royal Surrey over the years with dedication to patient care and commitment to the success of the trust.”

Paula Head added: “I would like to thank John personally for making me so welcome to the trust board and for his valuable support in my time working with him.”

According to the RSCH website, the board sets the strategic goals and objectives for the organisation. They monitor how the trust is performing against these objectives and make sure appropriate action is taken where necessary.

The hospital’s board of directors is made up of a chief executive and six executive directors who deliver the strategy and a chairman and seven non-executive directors. The chairman and non-execs are not employed by the trust and work part-time providing advice to the board and challenge where appropriate.

The Royal Surrey currently has a 4.5 out of 5 patient satisfaction rating on the NHS choices website.