Following a rigorous recruitment and selection process, Daniel Elkeles, currently Chief Officer at Central London, West London, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow and Ealing Clinical Commissioning Groups has been appointed as Chief Executive at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Prior to his appointment at CWHHE, Daniel was the Flu Resilience Director of NHS London then Director of Strategy for NHS North West London. Before this, Daniel spent 10 years in acute hospital management for a number of organisations in London including Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer for North West London Hospitals NHS Trust.
Daniel said: “I am hugely excited about joining Epsom and St Helier at this time – there’s been amazing progress in improving the quality of care the Trust provides and in its financial position. As a local resident bringing up my family in the area, I am pleased to see that the Trust is performing strongly in many areas including A&E waiting times. I am more than keen to see the hospitals continue on this journey.
“What’s important to me is being here for our patients and communities. We need to hear what they think about their care and treatment because we can always improve. I believe the skills and experience I bring from my time as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at North West London Hospitals means I can hit the ground running. And having worked alongside GP clinical commissioners, I know how important it is to understand the needs of local communities and co-design services with people.”
Daniel added: “Accepting this post is both a privilege and a responsibility. There are challenges ahead but I know I am joining a team who make giving great care every day, a reality. I am determined that my leadership and drive will build on the successes of the Trust for an even brighter future.”
Chairman Laurence Newman said: “I am delighted that Daniel joins us at such an important time for the Trust as we continue to build a clinically and financially sustainable future and push forward to Foundation Trust status. We have moved far in the last two years to being one where we lead performance in many areas thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our staff.
“However, the NHS will always be required to adapt and change and with the experience and talent he brings, I am confident that the Trust has a strong leader to face the undoubted challenges of running our busy, acute hospitals and at the same time, work to achieve the best outcome for patients in both south west London and Surrey.
“May I take this opportunity to thank Chrisha Alagaratnam who has worked tirelessly as Interim Chief Executive. I’m pleased that Chrisha will continue in this role until Daniel is able to join us early in the New Year. Chrisha’s undoubted professionalism has ensured the smooth running of our organisation and I am grateful for her leadership in delivering improvements for both our patients and our performance."