The chief executive of an NHS trust has been recognised for her role in improving the rating of three failing hospitals.

Alwen Williams joined Barts Health NHS Trust in 2015 when Leytonstone’s Whipps Cross, Newham and The Royal London hospitals were rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

All three have since been upgraded to ‘requires improvement’ and Ms Williams has now been named as one of the country’s top 10 NHS chief executives.

The Health Service Journal has listed her as number nine out of 249 trusts on its annual list.

“Our progress has been down to the extraordinary dedication and skill of all of our staff and the support we’ve had from our patients and partners,” said Ms Williams.

“It’s great to be recognised in such a well-regarded list, judged by people I respect greatly, but the credit must go to all of team Barts Health.”

Judges looked at a number of criteria including the performance of the organisation, the contribution to the wider health and social care system and the personal example set.

Althea Bart, manager of Healthwatch Waltham Forest – the independent organisation which represents the views of patients and the public – added: “It is fantastic to know that we have one of the best chief executives in the nation running our NHS Trust.”