Alder Hey’s Chief Executive Louise Shepherd CBE will step down from her role in October to take up a new role at NHS England.
Since her appointment as Chief Executive back in March 2008, Louise has guided Alder Hey to become a leading player in children’s health both nationally and on a world stage. Alder Hey became an NHS Foundation Trust in her first year at the helm and she has since successfully led the Trust through a significant transformation, moving Alder Hey into a brand new Hospital in 2015 alongside developing pioneering research and innovation facilities within a dedicated healthcare campus for children and young people.
In addition to her role at Alder Hey, Louise has led a number of national and regional programmes, including Co-Chair of the National Children’s Hospital Alliance (since 2020), Senior Responsible Officer for the Cheshire and Mersey Children’s Transformation Programme “Beyond” and the establishment of the initial Sustainability and Transformation Programme for Cheshire and Merseyside in 2016/17. She was appointed Chair of the National Children’s Transformation Programme by NHSE in March 2023.
Throughout Louise’s 16 years at the helm, Alder Hey has continued to deliver the highest standards of care and support to children and young people. This was reflected in 2014 when the Trust was awarded Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2014. She also calmly steered the Trust through the Covid-19 pandemic when Alder Hey treated adult patients for the first time. In recognition of the dedication, sacrifice and heroism shown by local health workers throughout the pandemic, Alder Hey was among four NHS trusts awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough by Sefton Council in 2023.
Other memorable highlights include welcoming HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when opening the new Hospital in 2016, hosting the visits of several past and present prime ministers and secretaries of state to the Trust, and greeting other royal guests, including Catherine, Princess of Wales (then the Duchess of Cambridge) on her first public visit in February 2012.
In 2017, Louise was awarded a CBE for her services to healthcare. She recently received an Honorary Fellowship by Liverpool John Moores University in 2023.
Dame Jo Williams, Chair of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said:
Louise’s impact on Alder Hey since she joined us in 2008 has been nothing short of transformative. Throughout her tenure, Louise remained deeply connected to the Alder Hey family, embodying an ambitious and compassionate leadership style—qualities that have inspired and touched us all.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Louise for all that she has accomplished during her time at Alder Hey. Her kindness and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children and young people have left an indelible mark on our organisation, and her legacy will continue to shape Alder Hey for years to come.”
Speaking during her announcement to Alder Hey staff Louise said:
“This was a difficult decision to make after everything we have done together but I firmly believe I’m leaving Alder Hey when it’s in the best shape it’s ever been. We are recognised by so many as one of the very best healthcare providers and children and young people are truly at the heart of everything we do. Each and every one of you should take enormous credit for that.
I also believe Alder Hey has a really clear vision for the future. It has a fantastic Board, exciting and ambitious plans, fantastic leaders, great people and strong, supportive partners. Everything it needs to move forward with positivity and hope for the future. I look forward to continuing to work with and support colleagues in my new role to deliver the very best care and support we can for children and young people across the North West of England and nationally.”
In her continued commitment to healthcare, Louise has accepted the position of Regional Director for NHS England’s North West Region, succeeding Richard Barker following his recent retirement. She will take up this new role in November 2024.