HEE’s chief executive is honoured with top accolade

HEE Chief Executive Dr Navina Evans has been made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatry – the highest accolade it can bestow.

Dr Evans, who took up her new role with HEE last month, has over twenty years of clinical experience in psychiatry, medicine and paediatrics.

She began her career as a psychiatrist, progressing to consultant psychiatrist before taking on management responsibilities.

Each year the Royal College presents up to five honorary fellowships to people who have demonstrated distinguished service to humanity in relation to the study, prevention or treatment of mental illness or psychiatry throughout their careers.

The award was presented at a virtual ceremony.

Dr Evans, who received a CBE this year for services to NHS leadership and the black, Asian and minority ethnic community, said: “I am extremely proud to receive this honour from the Royal College – it is humbling to be regarded in such high esteem.”

Before taking the helm at HEE, Dr Evans was Chief Executive at East London Foundation NHS Trust (ELFT), which she led to become ‘Trust of the Year’ as well as being rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. 

She believes the best possible care for patients is delivered by staff who are part of an engaged team with a culture that promotes inclusion, flexibility and accountability.

This year’s other RCPsych Honorary Fellows include former health minister and longstanding mental health campaigner Sir Norman Lamb, and broadcaster Louis Theroux for his work documenting psychiatric conditions.