Lesley Dwyer appointed as chief executive covering Norfolk hospitals including Queen Elizabeth in King’s Lynn
A new group chief executive has been appointed to run all three hospitals in Norfolk.
Lesley Dwyer will begin her role at the new Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, which includes Lynn’s QEH, on May 5. She is currently CEO of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The appointment follows a decision by the boards of three trusts to establish a group model aimed at streamlining decision-making.
Professor Dwyer will oversee the strategic direction and delivery at the QEH, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and The James Paget University Hospital.
Mark Friend, group chair, 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.”
Ms Dwyer has more than 30 years of healthcare management experience.
Prior to becoming CEO of the NNUH in early 2024, she was CEO of the 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 ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.
She 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.”
