Simon Stevens speaks at Veterans' AGM

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, was the keynote speaker at the Annual General Meeting of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Veterans’ Association.

The Veterans’ Association is open to staff who have given 10 years’ service to the Trust or affiliated services, and many retired staff become members as a way of staying in touch with life at Guy’s and St Thomas’.

In a relaxed talk Simon Stevens reminisced about his time working at the Trust.  He joined St Thomas’ at the time of the great public debate about the future of both Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals in the early 1990s, and he said it was a combination of the professionalism and determination of the then Chief Executive, Tim Matthews, that led to both institutions being saved.

He said the excellent reputation of both hospitals, and the fact that two thirds of the patients were local, had helped to sway the decision.  Simon said that the decision had been a right one and the Trust had gone from strength to strength and continued to do so under the chairmanship of Sir Hugh Taylor. 

There was some good humoured banter from members of the audience who had worked with Simon previously and, after a lively question and answer session, the Veterans were delighted that Simon was able to stay on and mingle informally over lunch.

Helen Lawrence, Honorary Secretary of the Veterans’ Association, said it had been a very friendly and happy gathering and the day had gone well. This was the first time that the Veterans’ AGM had been held at Guy’s and attendance had been very good.

The Veterans’ Association welcomes new members and you don’t have to be retired to join. Membership costs just £10 per annum. Email Helen Lawrence for more information.