NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (SWL ICB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Fisher as its new Chief Executive Officer. Katie will join the ICB following her tenure as Chief Executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong track record in healthcare leadership.
With over two decades of senior leadership experience within the NHS, charitable organisations, and the private sector, Katie Fisher is a highly experienced health and care leader. Her previous roles include Chief Executive at St. Andrew’s Healthcare, a prominent specialist mental health charity, and West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Katie began her career as a registered nurse and is a graduate of the NHS General Management Training Scheme. Her extensive background spans commissioning and provider organisations, including primary, secondary, specialised, community, mental health, and learning disability care.
Mike Bell, Chair for NHS South West London ICB, said:
“I am so pleased to welcome Katie. Her significant experience and healthcare expertise will support us to achieve our vision of providing the highest quality care for local people and making SW London a great place to work. Katie joins an organisation with a strong history of collaboration and partnership. I am confident her leadership will help us tackle challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue to improve our NHS services, and how we work more closely together to reduce health inequalities.”
Caroline Clarke, NHS England London’s Regional Director said:
“Katie originally trained as a nurse, and it is clear that her clinical background and focus on delivering for patients and communities has been a key influence on her leadership roles in the NHS over many years. Katie has a great deal of experience in leading organisations through complex change programmes, and in significantly improving the quality of care they provide. I know she will be a great asset to south west London’s health and care system and the people it serves, and I’m looking forward to welcoming her back to the London leadership community.”
On starting her new role at NHS South West London ICB, Katie Fisher said:
“I am excited to be appointed Chief Executive Officer at South West London ICB. It is an exceptionally challenging time for the NHS, and there are really strong partnerships, across SW London working closely together to meet these challenges. I am looking forward to joining the team, improving care and making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of communities across south west London.”
Paying tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Sarah Blow, who is retiring after an impressive 30-year career in the NHS, including eight years of leadership in South West London, Mike Bell said:
“Sarah has been an exceptional leader and a driving force behind the transformation of health and care services in South West London. Her dedication, wisdom, and tireless energy have been pivotal in building a more collaborative system, strengthening relationships with our Trusts, councils, and partners, and delivering better, joined-up services for local people. On behalf of everyone at NHS South West London, I want to thank Sarah for her contributions and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Katie is due to begin her new role from 17 February 2025.