Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust have announced that following a competitive recruitment process, David Cooper has been appointed substantively as the new Chief Finance Officer for the Trust, after covering the role on an interim basis since October 2025.
David joined the Trust from Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust where over the last five years he worked in various roles including Director of finance and Acting Chief Finance Officer. He brings with him over 15 years of experience in healthcare finance, along with knowledge working outside of finance in operational and programme management.
He first joined the NHS as a graduate management trainee, and his previous roles include working in the NHS in Devon and Cornwall and then more recently for Barts Health NHS Trust, serving on the Hospital Boards at both Whipps Cross and St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Trust Chief Executive, Andrew Hines said:
“I am really pleased that David will now be joining the Trust on a permanent basis, after serving as an Interim Chief Finance Officer so capably over the last 10 months. He's a great asset to the team, and his experience in healthcare finance and operational management stands him in good stead as we work both to balance our budgets on a sustainable basis and take forward exciting plans for the future including investment in new operating theatres and a new Urgent Treatment Centre at East Surrey Hospital. I look forward to continuing to work with him on improving patient care, investing in our teams, and delivering services that offer the best value for money."
David Cooper said:
"I am incredibly proud to be appointed as Chief Finance Officer on a substantive basis and grateful for the warm welcome and support I have received from colleagues across the Trust during my time in the role as interim. I am excited to build on that experience and work with our teams and partners on the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to improve care for our patients while making the best possible use of public resources to deliver sustainable services."