Matthew Shaw to Lead St George’s, Epsom and St Helier: A Return That Signals Strategic Change

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (GESH) has appointed Matthew Shaw as its new chief executive, marking a significant moment for one of the capital’s largest and most complex health systems. Dr Shaw, an orthopaedic surgeon by background, will take up the role in the spring, succeeding interim chief executive James Blythe. His arrival follows the departure of Jacqueline Totterdell, who earlier this year became chief executive of the Welsh NHS.

Dr Shaw joins from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, where he has served as chief executive since 2018. His tenure at GOSH has been defined by its emphasis on complex care, research collaboration and the adoption of advanced digital tools. His appointment also represents a return to familiar ground: he previously trained and practised within St George’s, Epsom and St Helier earlier in his clinical career.

Sir Mark Lowcock, chair of GESH, highlighted Dr Shaw’s experience in driving health policy, shaping strategy and championing cutting-edge technology. He also pointed to his “warmth and openness” as important qualities for leading a workforce spread across multiple sites and facing ongoing operational pressures.

A leader returning at a time of change

GESH enters a period in which long-term decisions around service configuration, digital investment, workforce strategy and financial planning will shape the future of care across South West London and Surrey. As one of the few health groups operating multiple major acute hospitals, district general sites and community services, it requires a leadership approach capable of balancing stability with forward momentum.

Dr Shaw’s background suggests he will bring a clear direction in these areas. His experience at a highly specialised, research-driven children’s hospital may influence GESH’s ambition to strengthen clinical excellence, improve patient pathways and make better use of digital tools. His familiarity with the region’s history, culture and clinical networks may also prove valuable as the group seeks to improve coordination across its hospitals.

What this means for the Trust’s future

Dr Shaw’s return to the organisation points towards a period of more deliberate strategic focus. His record at GOSH, particularly in digital tools, data-led decision making and research partnerships, suggests GESH is likely to accelerate the modernisation programmes already underway. At the same time, his background in specialist care and his familiarity with South West London’s clinical networks may bring clearer direction across shared pathways, especially where services span multiple sites.

Sir Mark Lowcock’s emphasis on his leadership style also hints at a renewed focus on organisational culture, with greater attention to staff visibility, cohesion and engagement across the group’s hospitals. Alongside these shifts, the Trust faces long-term decisions on estate redevelopment, elective capacity, emergency care and financial planning. Dr Shaw’s appointment appears designed to stabilise these discussions and set a course that can extend beyond short-term pressures, giving the organisation the leadership continuity it needs as it moves into its next phase.

Looking ahead

Dr Shaw’s arrival marks both a return and a new beginning. His leadership blends national experience with local roots at a time when the Trust is balancing immediate operational pressures with longer-term transformation. As he prepares to take up the post in the spring, GESH enters a chapter defined by strategic decision-making, service modernisation and renewed attention to staff culture, an agenda well aligned with the direction he has championed throughout his career.