Matthew Shaw named chief executive of South London NHS Trusts

Key Points

• Matthew Shaw appointed as new chief executive of St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh).
• Shaw previously served as medical director and chief executive at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
• He is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with NHS leadership roles at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
• Sir Mark Lowcock, chair of gesh, praised Shaw’s leadership, experience in health policy, and use of innovative technology including AI.
• Shaw emphasised commitment to high standards of patient care and support for staff across gesh’s hospitals.
• Shaw succeeds interim chief executive James Blythe, who will return to his role as managing director of Epsom and St Helier.
• Shaw will formally begin his role early next Spring.

What is the background of Matthew Shaw, the new chief executive of gesh?

As reported by the official gesh announcement, Matthew Shaw brings a rich leadership history in the NHS. Shaw is an orthopaedic surgeon by training and has held senior roles including medical director and deputy chief executive at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. More recently, he was medical director at Great Ormond Street Hospital before becoming its chief executive in March 2018.

His clinical expertise combined with executive experience makes him well-suited to lead one of South London’s largest hospital groups. Shaw also previously trained and practised at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, according to Sir Mark Lowcock, chair of gesh, marking a full-circle moment in his NHS career.

What qualities and achievements does gesh’s chair highlight in Matthew Shaw?

Sir Mark Lowcock praised Shaw’s “outstanding track record as a leader in the NHS,” emphasising his vision, drive, energy, and insight. Lowcock noted Shaw’s role in advancing health policy and adopting cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve clinicians’ efficiency and patient outcomes.

Lowcock also praised Shaw’s personal style, describing it as warm and open—qualities especially valuable during times of significant NHS change. He expressed enthusiasm about bringing Shaw back to lead gesh, stating,

“He is uniquely placed to lead gesh into the future.”

What did Matthew Shaw say about his priorities as chief executive?

In his statement to the press, Shaw outlined his commitment to both patients and staff across the hospital group. He described gesh as “one of the largest hospital groups in the country” and “deeply rooted in the communities we serve.”

Shaw underscored that the 17,000 staff members are not “just employees” but belong to the same communities their hospitals serve. He said,

“My priority, now and always, is to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care when they need it.”

He added that this goal hinges on staff being “fully supported and empowered” to deliver outstanding care daily.

Shaw also expressed eagerness to meet the hospital teams, recognising their central role in what makes gesh successful.

Who did Matthew Shaw replace, and when will he officially start?

James Blythe has been serving as interim chief executive and will return to his permanent role as managing director of Epsom and St Helier, which was his position before the interim role.

The formal appointment of Matthew Shaw as chief executive will be effective early next Spring, according to the press release.

How is this leadership change expected to impact the future of gesh?

The leadership transition comes at a critical time of “radical change” in the NHS, as noted by Sir Mark Lowcock. With Shaw’s background in integrating technology and shaping health policy, there is an expectation he will steer gesh through evolving healthcare demands.

Shaw’s combination of clinical experience, executive leadership, and personal connection to the hospitals positions him to promote innovation while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and community engagement.

What are the broader implications for NHS hospital groups in London?

Matthew Shaw’s appointment reflects a growing trend in the NHS to leverage leaders who bring both clinical understanding and a forward-thinking approach to technology and policy. His history of using AI to save clinicians time and improve patient outcomes aligns with NHS goals to boost efficiency and quality of care.

For South London’s NHS landscape, Shaw’s leadership may serve as a model, emphasising collaboration, community focus, and innovation during a period of health service transformation.