Hospital chief retiring after 37 years in NHS

The chief executive at an NHS trust has announced her retirement after a 37-year career in the health service.

Angela Stevenson said she was proud of all that had been achieved at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH).

She took the role of chief executive in December 2021, having previously been chief operating officer from September 2015.

Ms Stevenson said: "As someone who started as a student nurse in Glasgow in 1988 and worked my way up to be chief executive, I want to share my gratitude for what I have been able to do over a long and fulfilling career."

She will retire later in the year and the trust's board will begin working up the details to agree her successor, a spokesperson said.

The chief executive added: "It's been an enormous honour to have been able to work with so many talented and professional people and it has been my privilege to serve in our team as chief executive.

"It was always my intention to take early retirement and, now that I am approaching 55, I have decided to prioritise time with my partner."

Anita Donley, chair of SASH, said: "I am sure that the board and colleagues in SASH, our local community, and our partners more widely across both the Surrey Heartlands and Sussex ICSs will join me in thanking Angela for her hard work and steadfast commitment to securing the best possible care for patients and the population we serve, and the best support and care for our team of dedicated staff."

The trust was formed in 1998, as a result of a merger between the East Surrey Healthcare NHS Trust and Crawley Horsham NHS Trust.

It runs Crawley, Horsham, Caterham Dene and East Surrey hospitals.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.