Evelina London says goodbye and thank you to Marian Ridley

Marian Ridley

Today Evelina London said goodbye and a huge thank you to Marian Ridley, who has led the organisation for over a decade.

Evelina London’s Women’s and Children’s Services provide care for women, children, young people and their families throughout their lives, from before conception and birth, throughout childhood, and into adult services as part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Key milestones under Marian’s leadership include:

• Children’s community services in Lambeth and Southwark becoming part of Evelina London in 2014
• The expansion of facilities within Evelina London Children’s Hospital and on the St Thomas’ site to accommodate a growing range of services and increasing demand for the specialist care we provide to babies and children
• Guy’s and St Thomas’ maternity services, fertility and gynaecology services joining Evelina London in 2020
• Specialist cardio-respiratory and intensive care services at Brompton and Harefield Hospitals coming together with the services at Evelina London Children’s Hospital under the same clinical leadership.

Dr Sara Hanna, Evelina London’s Medical Director, has taken over from Marian as interim Chief Executive. A consultant in paediatric intensive care, Sara has worked in our children’s services since 1997 and was appointed as Evelina London Medical Director in 2014. Dr Bidisha Lahoti has replaced Sara as Medical Director on an interim basis.

Marian Ridley said: “I have had the good fortune to spend 10 fulfilling years at Evelina London. Being part of a talented team, collectively committed to ensuring the best possible care for women, babies, children and young people both in our local area and across the wider geography of south east England has been a huge privilege. I’m sure that the team will go from strength to strength.” 

Taking up the role as interim Chief Executive, Dr Sara Hanna said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role as interim Chief Executive of Evelina London. We have undertaken an incredible journey under Marian’s leadership over the last 10 years. She leaves us in a very different place from where we started. We have services that we didn’t provide previously and we have services that have developed beyond recognition. The population we look after has changed and where we deliver services has increased to multiple hospital and community sites. What hasn’t changed is the dedication of our staff and a shared commitment to provide the best possible care to the women and children we look after, irrespective of where they may be. 

“Marian has been a champion for our patients, families and staff and a great advocate for the needs of women and children at every level. We will miss her, but we are committed as a team to carry on building on her legacy.’’

The recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is underway.