NHS South West London integrated care board (SWL ICB) has announced Katie Fisher as its new chief executive, replacing Sarah Blow, who is retiring.
Ms Fisher will join the ICB on 17 February following her role as chief executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals.
She brings over two decades of senior leadership experience within the NHS, charitable organisations, and the private sector. Previous roles include chief executive at mental health charity St. Andrew’s Healthcare and West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
Ms Fisher began her career as a registered nurse and is a graduate of the NHS General Management Training Scheme. Her extensive background spans commissioning and provider organisations, including primary, secondary, specialised, community, mental health, and learning disability care.
Mike Bell, chair of SWL ICB, said he was ‘so pleased’ that Ms Fisher would be joining the organisation.
‘Her significant experience and healthcare expertise will support us to achieve our vision of providing the highest quality care for local people and making SW London a great place to work. I am confident her leadership will help us tackle challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue to improve our NHS services, and how we work more closely together to reduce health inequalities,’ he said.
Mr Bell also paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Sarah Blow, who is retiring after a 30-year career in the NHS, including eight years of leadership in South West London. He described her as ‘an exceptional leader and a driving force behind the transformation of health and care services in South West London’.
‘Her dedication, wisdom, and tireless energy have been pivotal in building a more collaborative system, strengthening relationships with our trusts, councils, and partners, and delivering better, joined-up services for local people,’ said Mr Bell.
Ms Fisher said that she was excited about taking on her new role.
‘It is an exceptionally challenging time for the NHS, and there are really strong partnerships, across SW London working closely together to meet these challenges.
‘I am looking forward to joining the team, improving care and making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of communities across south west London,’ she said.
