Louise Ashley

I am a registered general nurse, children’s nurse and health visitor, and have worked in the NHS for more than 40 years, predominantly in children’s services.

Throughout my career I have held senior leadership roles across a range of NHS organisations, including Chief Nurse positions in London, before becoming a Chief Executive, initially in Kent and later at Homerton University Hospital in East London.

Two years ago, I returned to my nursing roots, and I am currently Regional Chief Nurse for the East of England. In this role, I have the privilege of working with NHS organisations across the region to support quality, safety and improvement, with a particular focus on ensuring that services deliver the best possible care and outcomes for the communities they serve.

My commitment to children and families has been a constant throughout my career. More than 30 years ago, while working in East London, I led one of the country’s first children’s community and palliative care teams. Since then, I have continued to be involved in developing and improving services for babies, children and young people, both in hospital and community settings. I have seen first-hand the difference that compassionate, high-quality palliative care and support can make to children and families at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

I live in West Suffolk with my wife. We have two grown-up children and an amazing granddaughter, who is the love of all our lives! Outside work and family, I enjoy wild swimming and can often be found exploring different swimming spots, although my favourite place to swim is on the west coast of Ireland.

I hope to bring my experience of nursing, children's services, executive leadership, quality improvement and governance, alongside my passion for children and families, to help support the fantastic work EACH does across the region.