Former Arts Council boss Peter Hewitt to run SE1 health charity

"I am very excited to be invited to join the country's largest and leading NHS related charity," says Peter Hewitt.

"What makes it so special for me is the excellent legacy that I am inheriting and the opportunity to invest in world-class services locally in Lambeth and Southwark, whilst at the same time acting as a trailblazer for research, innovation and learning in the wider NHS and beyond.

"The charity's commitment to enhancing the healthcare environment and patient experience through the arts is also close to my heart."

Guy's and St Thomas' Charity, historically linked to SE1's two major hospitals, now awards grants to healthcare projects throughout the two boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark.

Geoffrey Shepherd, the current chief executive, retires this summer. He said: "I am very pleased that Peter has been appointed to lead the charity's work in supporting first class health care, research and innovation for patients in Lambeth and Southwark. I know that Peter's excellent experience in both the health and the arts worlds will be of huge benefit to the charity".

Hewitt was awarded the CBE for his achievements in bringing the arts to a wider audience in the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours.