New chief nurse for Guy’s and St Thomas'

Eileen joins the board of directors as an Executive Director from Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust where she has been director of nursing and deputy chief executive since July 2001. She was also acting chief executive at Whipps Cross from September to November 2004.

During her time at Whipps Cross Eileen appointed 22 modern matrons and reduced nursing and midwifery vacancy rates to just 4%, the lowest in London.

Eileen was awarded a CBE in the New Year's honours list in 2003 in recognition of her contribution to the development of nursing locally and nationally.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce Eileen's appointment," said trust chief executive Dr Jonathan Michael.

"She has a proven track record in nurse leadership and we look forward to benefiting from her expertise in driving forward the quality of nursing care that we provide for thousands of patients every year.

"I would like to personally thank both Cathy Geddes and Cath Miller who have acted up as our director of nursing since Irene Scott left the Trust in June 2004 to take up her new role as chief executive of the Nurse Directors' Association."

Commenting on her appointment, Eileen said: "I am proud to be joining Guy's and St Thomas' as Chief Nurse because this is one of the most prestigious trusts in the NHS with a history of pioneering nursing care that extends all the way back to Florence Nightingale.

"The Trust has many exciting developments currently underway, including the opening of the new Evelina Children's Hospital on the St Thomas' site in autumn 2005, and has piloted Agenda for Change as one of the 'early implementers' of the new NHS pay and terms and conditions system."

Eileen, who lives in north London, is married to a GP and has two daughters aged 7 and 12.