The chief executive officer of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and lead CEO for the National Orthopaedic Alliance has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston University for her significant contribution to healthcare leadership.
Dr Joanne Williams received the honour at a graduation ceremony presided over by University Chancellor, Dr Jason Wouhra, at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Tuesday 16 July 2024.
Her involvement in healthcare, both in the NHS and privately, goes back almost 25 years, working in procurement and senior operational roles in major hospitals including Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester and University Hospitals Birmingham. In 2017, Dr Williams was made chief operating officer of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, and in 2019, became chief executive.
The National Orthopaedic Alliance brings together the main specialist providers of orthopaedic healthcare. The collaborative, multidisciplinary alliance provides opportunities for members to share experiences and address shared challenges. Dr Williams’ appointment as lead CEO is recognition of the impact she has made in the field.
She is also a trustee of Arthritis UK.
Dr Williams said: “This is a great honour.
“I have been fortunate to work with so many inspirational people during my career and I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have supported me, mentored me and enabled me to lead.
“I’m very grateful to the team at Aston for their continued support, their expertise and their unwavering commitment to education and partnership.”
Professor Chris Langley, Deputy Dean of Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences, said:
“Jo describes being a CEO as a real privilege and she not only talks values, she lives them and is an example of real leadership in the public sector. She places great importance on staff health and wellbeing, and ensured that the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital became a place people want to work and staff that are cared for, as they care for others.
“She sees the focus of the hospital not only to carry out life changing surgery, but to help restore independence and help patients return to live a healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
”Jo is committed to the development and progression of both clinical and non-clinical staff, and has been a prime partner to Aston Medical School in offering clinical placements.”
Source: Aston University
Image: L to R: Dr Jason Wouhra, Dr Joanne Williams and Professor Aleks Subic. Credit Aston University
