New CEO for £2bn hospital trust

Matthew Trainer, CEO of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust, has been appointed to the role at King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust in south London.

Professor Clive Kay, who has led King’s for six years, will retire this summer.

Mr Trainer has led BHRUT since 2021 and before that he was CEO of Oxleas Foundation Trust, also in south London, for three years.

Earlier in his career, he worked as managing director of the Princess Royal University Hospital, which is part of KCHFT. Mr Trainer’s start date for his new role is yet to be confirmed.

Speaking about the appointment, he said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed chief executive of King’s. I am delighted to be coming back to the place where I first worked in a hospital.

“King’s is widely respected for its brilliant people and fantastic care, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues when I join the trust later this year.”

King’s chair Sir David Behan said Mr Trainer “has deep experience and a proven track record”, adding: “Importantly, he also cares passionately about the NHS, supporting our staff, and delivering high quality care for the diverse communities that we serve.”

BHRUT said Fiona Wheeler, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive, will become interim chief.

BHRUT chair Sarah Betteley said: “Matthew has achieved so much during his time with us. We’ve moved out of special measures, introduced an electronic patient record and improved our performance.

“He’s done a fantastic job of inspiring our staff and helping them feel proud to work at BHRUT.”