News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
If you have some news to share, would like to see us feature a patient story or simply have a question, then feel free to get in touch with us.
Karen McDowell appointed as CEO of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex ICBs
Karen McDowell appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex Integrated Care Boards
We are delighted to announce that Karen McDowell has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex Integrated Care Boards from 15 October 2025.
Karen, who has been the Chief Executive Officer at NHS Surrey Heartlands for the last two years (having also been Deputy Chief Executive prior to this), will become the CEO for the two organisations as part of our cluster arrangement that starts on 01 October 2025.
Karen’s career in the NHS spans more than 30 years where her extensive experience covers a breath of areas and includes Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer roles across Surrey, south west London and Manchester. As well as being a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Karen is also a strong advocate for tackling health inequalities, which includes her work as a trustee and volunteer for a voluntary organisation that works to tackle multiple disadvantage in east Surrey.
In line with ICBs across the country, NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex are working to take on a more focused role as strategic commissioners to deliver the ambitions set out in the recently published 10-Year Health Plan.
In response to the national requirement to streamline ICBs, NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex put forward plans to NHS England in May 2025 to work collaboratively across the two counties and form one ICB from next year. The two organisations will start coming together under a shared Chair and Chief Executive with plans to create a new organisation from April 2026.
Ian Smith, Chair of NHS Surrey Heartlands and designate Chair of NHS Sussex said:
I am delighted to announce Karen as the Chief Executive Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex. I have worked with Karen for the past three years, and I have seen first hand her commitment and dedication to the NHS and to the population we are here to serve.
I am confident that she will expertly lead both organisations through the months ahead and the changes that we need to deliver to meet the national requirements, as well as ensuring delivery of our operational plans for this year, and strategy for the years’ ahead.
Karen McDowell added:
I am incredibly proud to be appointed to lead these two brilliant organisations, building on the strengths and the successes in both places, and realise the opportunities to make the improvements we all want to see to NHS services for the future.
I look forward to working with colleagues, with partners, and with our local communities to deliver the change that is needed, improving access, and focusing on the health needs of our collective population now and for the years to come.
The appointment comes as it is also announced today that Adam Doyle has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NHS Kent and Medway.
Ian added:
I want to share my thanks today also with Adam for everything he has achieved in Sussex. He has driven significant transformation of the Sussex system, made real improvements in performance, and set out clear plans for how the system’s strategy can become a reality for local people. I want to thank him on behalf of the organisation and all in Sussex, and wish him the very best successes in Kent and Medway.