‘Shock’ for Shropshire health chief listed in NHS top 10 as she praises work of staff

A health service leader in Shropshire has been named in 10th place in an influential list of the top 50 chief executives in the NHS.

Jo Williams, group chief executive at Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Community and Hospitals NHS Trust, joined the organisation running the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital in September last year.

Since then she has taken on the chief executive role at the county’s community health NHS trust.

UK healthcare sector news and insight service the HSJ has produced the rankings since 2014 and this is the first time that Ms Williams has appeared on that list.

Ms Williams is set tell her board colleagues this week of her “shock” at the news.

Her report to a meeting on Thursday, May 14, formally recognises inclusion in the list.

“Whilst this recognition came as a shock, and I am not naturally comfortable with personal acknowledgement; I recognise the importance of accepting it on behalf of colleagues across the group,” she writes.

“I am proud of the work our colleagues do every day for our patients, and of the compassion, professionalism, and dedication they consistently demonstrate in delivering and improving care.

“I also recognise that I often ask others to work outside of their comfort zones, and I try to hold myself to the same expectation in accepting this recognition.

“Sincere thanks are extended to all colleagues across the group for their continued commitment, professionalism, and contribution to delivering high-quality care and driving sustained improvement.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of the collective effort and dedication of staff across all services.”

Ms Williams added that the award reflects the growing national profile of our group and its reputation for quality, improvement, and innovation.

The judges praised Ms Williams for leading an ‘impressive turnaround at Shrewsbury and Telford” since taking over the reins in September 2025.

In a statement the HSJ said: “The trust exited special measures after seven years in March – and has risen from 113th (out of 134) to 78th on the NHS England performance tables.

“Ms Williams also leads Shropshire Community Health Trust, which sits, like most similar trusts, in segment one.”

Leading figures from in and around the NHS judged the list, chaired by Alastair McLellan, editor of the 134 year old HSJ.

They included Arun Chopra, interim chief executive, of the Care Quality Commission, Daniel Elkeles, former chief executive of NHS Providers, Elizabeth O’Mahony, interim director general, finance, Department of Health and Social Care, Anna Parry, managing director, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and Steve Powis, former chief medical officer, NHS England.

They were asked to bear in mind the performance of chief executives, their leadership style and behaviours, and how they work with their board.

The judges also looked into how the chiefs have lead on important projects, either nationally or locally, or taking on additional roles such as chairing integrated care partnerships.

A joint meeting of the county’s acute hospitals and its community services is set to be told of continued improvement in finances and waiting lists.