THE chief executive of the NHS trust which runs Gloucestershire’s two largest hospitals has been named as one of the best 50 in the NHS.

Deborah Lee, who has been in the role at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT) since June 2016, was praised for her leadership work by the judges of the Health Service Journal’s ranking.

For the fifth year, the specialist publication has ranked the chief executives of all 249 trusts on their leadership style, the performance of their trust and their contribution to the wider health system.

Since taking up the post, Deborah Lee has helped the Trust achieving the four-hour A&E performance standard for the first time in more than four years and improved the trust’s Care Quality Commission performance.

Peter Lachecki, chairman of the trust, said: “I am delighted that Deborah has been recognised in this way.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Deborah’s experience and skills leading the organisation.

“However, it is her passion for staff and patients alongside her unrelenting determination to do the very best for Gloucestershire that sets her apart.

“Deborah would also be the first to acknowledge, that she could not achieve in her role if it were not for the willingness of staff to embrace her vision and work alongside her – regularly going above and beyond the call of duty.

“We are very lucky to have the calibre of leaders and staff in our organisation and I am confident that we will continue to address the many challenges that face us now and in the future.”