Review of the year | News
Review of the year
The past 12 months have been filled with remarkable milestones, achievements, and celebrations across Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. From pioneering treatments and national awards to community projects and festive moments, our teams have continued to deliver outstanding care while shaping the future of healthcare. Every success reflects the dedication of the Royal Surrey family, making 2025 a year to truly remember.
January
Royal Surrey forms group with neighbouring trust
Royal Surrey began 2025 by establishing a group model with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Louise Stead, who has served as Chief Executive at Royal Surrey since 2018, was appointed to lead the group. The collaboration aims to deliver better care and respond more effectively to NHS challenges by working together. On taking up her position as Group Chief Executive, Ms Stead stated that she is “committed to enhancing our collective strengths and successes.”
February
Paralympic gold medallist cuts the ribbon on refurbished Cancer Centre
On World Cancer Day, Paralympic gold medallist Erin Kennedy re-opened Royal Surrey’s refurbished Cancer Centre. The £6m project, partly funded by Royal Surrey Charity, doubled clinical space, enhancing care for 8,000 patients annually. Erin, a former patient, praised the inviting facilities designed to improve treatment and support early diagnosis.
March
Maternity Team wins national award
March saw Royal Surrey’s Maternity Team win the HSJ Partnership Award for Patient Engagement and Experience. Working with Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership, they launched a Parent Portal, offering pregnancy guidance, antenatal booking, and postnatal support in 133 languages, led by Matron Kate Conway and her dedicated team.
April
Our healthcare scientists scoop trio of awards
In April, Royal Surrey healthcare scientists shone at the South East Healthcare Science Awards. Dr Gwen Wark and Professor Ken Young received Lifetime Achievement Awards, Gwen for life science and Ken for physical science. Alex Smout won the Innovation Excellence Award, with several colleagues nominated across categories including leadership, emerging talent, outreach, innovation, and patient impact.
May
Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre takes shape
In May, the first of 169 modules for our new Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre arrived, lifted into place by a 450‑tonne crane. Opening next year, the centre will provide advanced theatres, recovery and short‑stay facilities, enabling treatment for 7,000 additional patients annually.
June
CQC rating awarded to trust
In June, the Care Quality Commission awarded Royal Surrey an ‘Outstanding’ rating following a nine-day inspection. Group Chief Executive Louise Stead praised the achievement, noting it covers the entire trust, including community hospitals and services. She called it a proud moment recognising leadership excellence and the dedication of staff across Royal Surrey.
July
Consultant recognised for training
July saw Dr TP Chua, Consultant Cardiologist at Royal Surrey, shortlisted among the top four cardiology trainers in London and the South East. Recognised in the British Junior Cardiology Association’s annual survey, Dr Chua was praised for his dedication to patients and trainees, reflecting Royal Surrey’s strong training environment.
August
Ground-breaking cancer trial launches and opening of Urgent Treatment Centre
In August, Royal Surrey strengthened its reputation as a leader in breast cancer care by joining the ground-breaking FAST-Forward Boost research trial. The study is looking at whether radiotherapy treatment time can be reduced for certain patients.
Work also began to transition Haslemere Minor Injuries Unit into an Urgent Treatment Centre, expanding care for a wider range of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.
September
Frailty awards and opening of Community Diagnostic Centre
September saw Royal Surrey’s Frailty Team honoured at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards. The Frailty Academy won the Patient Safety Education and Training Award in recognition of an education programme which has trained more than 6,000 local health and care professionals. Meanwhile the Integrated Frailty Crisis Pathway team was highly commended for Improving Care for Older People. The month also saw Milford’s Community Diagnostic Centre officially open, offering advanced MRI and CT scanning closer to home.
October
Launch of Transfer of Care Hub
In October, Royal Surrey launched the Guildford and Waverley Transfer of Care Hub, which is a key part of winter planning. Bringing together health, social care, housing and voluntary partners, the hub coordinates faster, safer discharges, easing Emergency Department pressures and ensuring patients move into the right care setting with appropriate support.
November
10,000 and counting
In November, Royal Surrey surgeons performed their landmark 10,000th robotic-assisted procedure. Since introducing the first da Vinci system in 2009, the programme has become one of the busiest and most advanced in the UK. Today, four cutting-edge systems are used by over 30 surgeons, transforming patient care and surgical outcomes.
December
Festive treats for patients
Royal Surrey’s children’s ward team worked tirelessly to make Christmas magical for young patients in hospital. Festivities included visits from Woking and Aldershot footballers bearing gifts, as well as a pantomime. Older patients were also remembered through Royal Surrey Charity’s Pledge a Present Appeal, ensuring everyone received a thoughtful gift bag on Christmas Day.