A new chief executive has been appointed to lead Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

Matthew Kershaw has been given the role on an interim basis, and will take over from current chief executive John Goulston on October 1.

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (CHS) runs Croydon University Hospital and provides services at Purley War Memorial Hospital.

Mr Kershaw is joining on a fixed term contract agreed with NHS Improvement, a body overseeing NHS trusts, while CHS reviews its management structure.

Mr Kershaw said: “I can’t wait to get started and this is a really exciting time at the Trust with the construction of its brand-new Emergency Department that will further improve services for patients and the care environment for staff.

“I am looking forward to working with all staff as we drive forward continued improvements in performance across the Trust, and strengthening our partnerships across the borough to transform our care – both in and out of hospital.”

Announcing the appointment, Mike Bell, chairman of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “Matthew has more than 25 years’ experience in the health service, managing large acute trusts and holding prominent national policy-making roles. His skills will be invaluable in leading the Trust on the next chapter of its improvement journey.

"Our cancer waiting times are some of the best in London, but like many NHS Trusts, our Emergency Department is under increasing pressure. With our clinicians, Matthew and the senior team at CHS will be responsible for further improving our performance. Working alongside our partners we want to provide excellent – and more coordinated care – for more people as our population continues to grow.”

He also thanked Mr Goulston for his six years of service at the trust, adding: “John has delivered significant and real improvements in our care for Croydon through his professionalism, vision and determination to involve staff at all levels of the Trust. He has transformed the organisation and on behalf of the Trust Board and our staff, I would like to thank John and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr Kershaw is currently a Senior Fellow at the King’s Fund, a health think-tank.

He has 25 years of NHS experience, having held a number of senior leadership roles, most recently as Chief Executive of East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust.