SUE Sjuve has officially taken over as chairman of Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Sue joined the trust at the beginning of March, having been chairman of Sussex Community Foundation Trust for the past five years.

She also worked in both banking and commercial organisations, and has spent her first two weeks getting to know staff and the organisation, touring outpatient departments and wards.

Sue said: “Although I have lots of experience as an NHS chair, this is the first time I have worked in an acute hospital and specialist cancer centre and there is a lot to learn. I’ve been very much in listening mode, taking time to hear what staff and patients have to say about Royal Surrey.

“I’ve also been taking advantage of the opportunity to ask a lot of questions. I’m so impressed by what I have seen, particularly how well the staff work together to overcome challenges.

“I’ve also enjoyed learning about some of the many beneficial programmes to improve the patient experience, such as the dementia friendly initiatives.”

In the coming weeks and months Sue, is keen to continue meeting and chatting to patients, staff and governors on a regular basis.

As a keen gardener, Sue would also like to explore how the trust can make better use of its outdoor spaces for the benefit of both staff and patients. The keen cyclist, who has been married for 38 years, is also keen to help fundraising efforts to create a dedicated Early Pregnancy Unit.