Published on 16/07/2024
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Dr Jason Wouhra, Dr Joanne Williams and Professor Aleks Subic
Dr Jason Wouhra, Dr Joanne Williams and Professor Aleks Subic
  • Dr Joanne Williams is chief executive of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and the lead CEO for the National Orthopaedic Alliance
  • Her honorary doctorate recognises her significant contribution to healthcare leadership
  • She has been a prime partner to Aston Medical School in offering clinical placements for students.

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.”
 

Notes to Editors

About Aston University

For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.

Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.

Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.

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