Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed Elaine Inglis as Hospital Manager with overall responsibility for the management and development of Ashford Hospital.

Making the announcement Michaela Morris, Director of Nursing and Operations said: “I am very pleased to announce that we have appointed a dedicated hospital manager to oversee the operation and function of Ashford Hospital.  This is part of our long term commitment to developing Ashford as a key part of the Trust’s services.   We believe that a dedicated manager for Ashford will bring a focus to bear on the hospital which will enable the interests of AshfordHospital to be better represented and looked after in discussions about service developments and changes.”

Elaine brings to the role a wealth of experience.   She trained at The Westminster Hospital as a nurse and first worked at Ashford Hospital in 1986.  At Ashford she has worked as a Sister in intensive care, in the equipment library and as a Site Co-ordinator.   She recently worked on the development of the South East Coast Collaborative Procurement Hub – an initiative to save money for the NHS by bringing together the purchasing power of health services across the South East Coast.

Her role is combined with that of Business Unit Service Manager for Care of the Elderly which includes responsibility for the Rapid Access Centre and Rehabilitation Wards at Ashford.   Elaine has an office at Ashford where she is based for three days a week.

Elaine commented: “Having worked at Ashford in the past I am very familiar with the hospital and many of the staff who work there.   I have already established my presence at the Hospital and am trying to meet as many people as possible.   In collaboration with staff and Trust senior management I will be developing an overall plan and strategy for the future which I hope will ensure the hospital remains a key strategic part of services provided by the Trust.   We have many challenges ahead with the demolition and development on the West Wing site and the development of more services at Ashford to ensure that the core modern buildings now occupied are used to capacity.”