Ashford and St Peter’s and Royal Surrey group to expand to include Queen Victoria Hospital | News

Expanded group will bring together complementary expertise to strengthen services and improve care for patients

Royal Surrey (RSFT) and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals (ASPH) NHS Foundation Trusts are pleased to announce that, following approval by both Boards, the RSFT and ASPH group will expand to include Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH).

QVH’s Board announced in December 2025, following a thorough process, that the RSFT and ASPH group had been identified as its preferred strategic partner. Since then, the three trusts have worked together to develop the arrangements needed to support the next phase of collaboration.

The decision to expand the group builds on the successful model already established between RSFT and ASPH, demonstrating how trusts can work more closely together while retaining their independence, identity and local accountability.

Queen Victoria Hospital is a leading specialist centre for reconstruction and sleep, internationally recognised for pioneering innovative treatments and techniques. Its specialist clinical teams provide highly specialised surgery and non-surgical treatment for people across the south east and beyond.

Bringing together these strengths with the expertise already found across RSFT and ASPH, creates exciting opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen clinical networks, develop our workforce, support research and education, and improve outcomes and experiences for patients across Surrey, Sussex and the wider region.

Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trusts, said:

“Our group was created to enable our trusts to work more closely together, sharing clinical expertise and learning where this benefits patients, colleagues and communities.

“Welcoming QVH into the group brings together complementary strengths and creates new opportunities to improve care, strengthen services and support innovation. I am looking forward to working alongside our new QVH colleagues, whose professionalism and passion is evident to see.”

Joss Bigmore, Group Chair of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trusts, said:

“This is an important milestone in the development of our group and reflects our shared ambition to work collaboratively while maintaining the unique strengths and identities of each organisation.

“Together, we can build on what each organisation does best and create a stronger foundation for the future.”

Abigail Jago, Acting Chief Executive of Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“QVH has a proud history and a unique role in the NHS, providing highly specialist and life-changing care for patients across the country.

“Joining the expanded group gives us the opportunity to build on our expertise and work alongside ASPH and RSFT to support the future of our services.”

Angela McNab, Acting Chair of Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Following a thorough process, our Board identified ASPH and RSFT as the right strategic partner for QVH.

“This decision reflects our confidence in the group model and our shared commitment to delivering outstanding care for patients.”

Anne Eden, NHS England South East Regional Director, said:

“Collaboration across NHS organisations is essential to delivering sustainable, high-quality care for patients and communities.

“This expanded group demonstrates the benefits of organisations working together to maximise and share their individual strengths and is a positive development for the communities served by all three trusts.”

RSFT, ASPH, and QVH will remain independent NHS foundation trusts, with their own Boards, leadership, identities and accountability.

The expanded group model is not a merger. Instead, it provides a framework for closer working where collaboration can deliver greater benefits for patients, staff and services, while recognising the important role each organisation plays in its local communities.

The focus will remain on combining expertise, supporting colleagues and continuing to deliver safe, compassionate and outstanding care.