A new Chief Executive has been appointed at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Jacqueline Totterdell, who has been Chief Operating Officer at Barts Health since 2015, was chosen at a metting of the Trust’s council of governors and is due to begin her role shortly.

Before Barts, Jacqueline worked as Chief Executive of West Middlesex University NHS Trust, where she helped merge Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

She was also CEO of Southend University Hospital MHS Foundation Trust for five years.

Jacqueline said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team at St George's.

“This is an exciting opportunity and, as Chief Executive, I intend to support, champion and empower the Trust's fantastic staff to provide the best care possible for patients and their families.

“I can't wait to start, and look forward to working with the Trust Board and staff to build on the improvement journey already started."

Gillian Norton, who starts as Trust Chair at the beginning of April, and has been a Non-Executive Director at the Trust since June last year, said she was confident Jacqueline would be a “first-class” addition to the team at St George’s.

She said: “Her experience and proven track record as an NHS leader will be crucial as we continue on our improvement journey.

“Jacqueline has made clear how highly she values staff and the importance of listening to their views, and this was an important factor in her appointment."

Professor Simon Mackenzie will continue in his role as CEO at the Trust until the new head starts.