New Chief Exec awarded OBE
THE NEW Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list.
David Astley, who joined the Trust in December, received the award for services to the NHS and said he was shocked but honoured to have been given the award:
“I must admit I was a little shocked when I heard the news, but it’s a great honour and a privilege to be given the award,” he said.
“I have been associated with the NHS for 36 years all told; 33 years in management and three years working as a hospital porter in my student days. In that time, I have been privileged to work with many great people at all levels in the NHS. They have given me advice and support and without their help I would not have received this award. But I have had the easiest task compared to the countless people who provide hands-on care to patients and the many other members of the healthcare team who support them.”
Naaz Coker, Chair of the Trust, congratulated David on his award adding that “everyone in the hospital was very proud”.
“David is an excellent and inspirational Chief Executive and leader,” she said. “He offers St George’s vision, direction and a wealth of experience and talent. We are all pleased to see his continuing contribution to the NHS recognised in this year’s honours.”
Before joining St George’s David was the founding Chief Executive of the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust.
In 1999, David and his team brought together three Hospital Trusts from Ashford, Margate and Canterbury and combined them into one of the largest Acute Trusts in England with 8,000 staff, five hospitals and a number of community based services. During this time, he also led the reform of A&Es, the reconfiguration of hospital services and invested almost ?40 million in new buildings and equipment.
David lives in Kent with his wife Denise, a medical secretary, and three teenage children.
Notes to editors
- For more information, contact Daniel Pople, Communications Manager at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, on 020 8725 5151 or e-mail: daniel.pople@stgeorges.nhs.uk