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CEO with nearly 40 years’ NHS experience set to retire in June

Posted: 26 January 2022

Picture of CEO Christine Allen

Christine Allen, who retires from West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in June 2022, says it has been a privilege to lead the organisation since 2019.

The Watford-born leader, who joined the trust three years ago, said: “I simply could not be prouder of this marvellous team. Despite the huge pressure of the pandemic, staff have continued to innovate and take on new challenges.

“In the last few months alone, we have become a teaching trust, implemented a new electronic patient record and been successful in numerous national awards.”

Ms Allen, who has also held senior NHS leadership roles as chief operating officer and director of strategy, plans to take a well-earned break, including some overseas travel.

During her leadership, the trust (which runs Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals) has been named as UK Best Employer (Nursing Times); been prioritised as a ‘pathfinder’ in the New Hospital Programme; achieved a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission in the ‘well led’ category; won awards for setting up the UK’s first virtual Covid hospital; opened new clinical units and has installed millions of pounds’ worth of clinical equipment.

Ms Allen said: “It has been humbling to work with such talented and dedicated NHS staff and a privilege to have had the responsibility of leading the organisation through some of its most challenging times.”

Reflecting on the highs and lows, she added: “There is so much to look back on, from the joy of Gareth Malone leading our homegrown choir on prime-time TV to standing in solidarity with colleagues in a minutes’ silence to honour staff who lost their lives to Covid.”

She said that the “amazing team spirit” from the workforce which represents more than 80 nationalities had helped the trust cope and that their efforts were also boosted by the local community: “We were overwhelmed by the support which came in the form of donations, messages of encouragement from individuals, groups and our local Chamber of Commerce. And of course, we had an incredible partnership with Watford Football Club which was the lift we needed when times were tough.”

She added: “Being back in my home town is a very special way to sign off after nearly 40 years in the NHS. Making the decision to retire has not been easy but I know that the trust has a bright future, built on firm foundations and driven by staff who are passionate about doing the best for our patients.”

Trust chairman, Phil Townsend, said: “Christine is always quick to praise others but she must take credit herself for leading the trust through three extraordinary years. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the fresh perspective she brought to our redevelopment plans – challenging our thinking and leading discussions around balancing the risk of the options before us. As a result, we are more certain than ever about the merit of our proposals.

“Her judgement was also spot on with the implementation of a major new IT system; a decision others may have shied away from. And, under her watch, the already strong value we place on looking after our staff, has continued to increase.

“When Christine joined us, we had no idea what the pandemic was going to throw at us. Her experience and her calm and determined leadership style was exactly what we needed.

“Away from the cut and thrust of hospital leadership, Christine has made a significant impact on partnership working at a system-wide level. Her wisdom and compassion will be sorely missed by staff at the trust and by our many partners and stakeholders. We wish her well.”

Plans to conduct a national search to secure a replacement are underway.

Ends

  1. For more information, please contact the communications team on: 01923 436280 or email: westherts.communications@nhs.net. Out of hours, please call the Watford General Hospital switchboard on 01923 244366 and ask for the on call communications manager.
  2. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves people from across Hertfordshire, north London and further afield. It operates from three hospitals; Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead. The trust has a catchment area of over 500,000 people and is one of the largest employers locally, with around 5,000 staff and volunteers.
  3. For more information about our hospitals, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk. You can also join our followers on Twitter (twitter.com/westhertsNHS) and find us on Facebook (facebook.com/westhertsNHS)