News


Teenage judo champion thanks NHS surgeon for saving her Commonwealth Games dream

A teenager competing in this month’s Commonwealth Games has praised a surgeon at St George’s Hospital for saving her sporting career, after her dream was threatened by a devastating injury. Judo champion Frema Agyei feared her competing days were over, after a torn ligament led to further issues. The 17-year-old …
Continue reading

1 Jul 2026


St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group appoints new Chief Nurse and Managing Director

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh) has today announced the appointment of Chinyama Okunuga as Managing Director at Epsom and St Helier, and Tracy Luckett as new Group Chief Nursing Officer.    Chinyama Okunuga is joining as Managing Director at Epsom and St Helier, and Tracy …
Continue reading

1 Jul 2026


gesh response to the Nottingham Maternity Review

This week saw the publication of Donna Ockenden’s report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals – the largest maternity inquiry in NHS history, with around 2,500 cases investigated. Michelle Cudjoe, Group Chief Midwifery Officer, said:   “This report is deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with the families whose lives have …
Continue reading

26 Jun 2026


Temporary relocation planning for women’s health services at St Helier Hospital

We are in the early stages of planning for the temporary relocation of services from the Women’s Health block at St Helier Hospital from spring 2027. While the building is currently safe to use, specialist advice has identified that the ageing pipework serving the block will need to be replaced. …
Continue reading

26 Jun 2026


Hospital issues Wimbledon warning ahead of Championship

As hundreds of thousands of tennis fans head to Wimbledon for the iconic tournament from Monday, the Chief Nurse at nearby St George’s Hospital in Tooting has warned that it may increase demand for emergency services and is urging people to stay safe in the sun. While London will be …
Continue reading

26 Jun 2026


A remote control with a tv

Hospitals warn of increase in domestic abuse during the Football World Cup

Hospitals in London and Surrey are bracing for an increase in reports of domestic abuse and possible admissions during the World Cup, as evidence shows that incidents tend to spike during major sporting events. With roughly one in four adults experiencing domestic abuse at some point in their life, people are being …
Continue reading

17 Jun 2026


Hospital charities invest in the future of volunteering through new £100k+ Helpforce partnership

Two hospital charities have joined forces with Helpforce to make a significant investment in the future of volunteering across hospitals serving South West London and Surrey. St George’s Hospital Charity and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity have committed more than £60,000 to strengthen and expand volunteering services across St George’s Hospital, Epsom …
Continue reading

16 Jun 2026


Queen Camilla

Her Majesty The Queen opens St George’s Hospital intensive care balcony as brain surgery nurse recovers in her own ward  

The Queen joined St George’s Hospital’s neurology doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, charity trustees and some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients before officially opening the Neuro Intensive Care Unit’s balcony garden on 2 June. The Queen was introduced to one patient in the neurosurgery ward who is …
Continue reading

2 Jun 2026


Celebrating more than 3,000 years of NHS service as healthcare workers welcomed into “inspirational” Hall of Fame

Healthcare workers who have devoted more than 3,000 years of NHS service have been officially welcomed into a new Hall of Fame celebrating the people who have transformed lives and shaped local health services over decades. Over 120 colleagues who have dedicated 25 years or more to the NHS have …
Continue reading

20 May 2026


Nurse gives kidney to stranger on same day husband receives kidney transplant to ‘pass on kindness’

A kind-hearted nurse at St George’s Hospital in Tooting has donated her kidney to a stranger, as a thank you for someone doing the same for her husband – with both operations taking place on the same day at the hospital where she works. Filipinas Nercua’s generous act came after …
Continue reading

12 May 2026


St George’s consultant appointed to the House of Lords

Congratulations to Professor Geeta Nargund, Consultant Gynaecologist and Lead Consultant in Reproductive Medicine at St George’s Hospital, who has been appointed to the House of Lords as a Labour life peer. Appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2025, she will sit as Professor Baroness Nargund of Wimbledon, representing …
Continue reading

9 Apr 2026


Mat with three colleagues

Welcoming our new Chief Executive, Mat Shaw 

Today we welcome Mat Shaw as our new group Chief Executive for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals. Mat started his first day where it matters most – alongside colleagues delivering frontline care. His first visit was to St Helier Hospital’s emergency department, where he spent the morning meeting …
Continue reading

7 Apr 2026


Health Chief Warns of “Triple Trouble” as doctors’ strike follows Easter holiday

The NHS is heading into a triple threat this weekend as a six-day resident doctor walkout comes hot on the heels of the Easter bank holiday weekend – coinciding with more children generally being treated for injuries during the school holidays. As strike action takes place across England, the Chief …
Continue reading

2 Apr 2026


gesh raises Trans flag

Leaders at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals (gesh) have raised the Trans flag on International Transgender Day of Visibility (Tuesday 31 March), to show support for transgender colleagues, patients and communities. As South West London’s largest health provider, officials across gesh are showing their commitment to the transgender …
Continue reading

31 Mar 2026


St George's Hospital sign

Ratings raised at St George’s as CQC recognises improvements in emergency care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of Urgent and Emergency Care services at St George’s Hospital, lifting the previous rating of inadequate after recognising significant improvements. The inspection followed concerns raised in late 2024 when a warning notice was issued. The CQC has now confirmed there are …
Continue reading

30 Mar 2026

Nominate your NHS hero for a gesh CARE award

Who deserves recognition? Nominate them today.

Have you or a loved one received outstanding care from St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, Sutton Health and Care, or Surrey Downs Health and Care? 

For many colleagues, being nominated for our staff awards is just as meaningful as winning. Your words help us recognise and celebrate the people who make outstanding care possible every day. 

Submit your nomination before 19 July and help us celebrate the people behind outstanding care.