NHS chief executive honoured for contributions in leadership
The chief executive of two NHS trusts in the Black Country has received an honorary degree from Aston University, recognising her contributions in healthcare leadership.
Diane Wake joined The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust as Chief Executive in April 2017, and in 2025 she also took up the role of Chief Executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
She was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by the Chancellor of Aston University Dr. Jason Wouhra OBE, in a ceremony held at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on January 22.
Diane has worked in the NHS for over 40 years and has an extensive background in nursing, occupying senior leadership positions in the surgical specialties of urology, colorectal, vascular, and breast surgery.
She was previously Interim Chief Executive at Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, where she also worked as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Nurse from 2007. Additionally, she was Chief Executive at Barnsley Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2013 to 2017.
Accepting her honorary degree, Diane said she was grateful for the recognition and added: “From my early days as a student nurse to the leadership roles I hold today, everything I have learned has been shaped by patients, communities, clinicians, researchers, educators, and managers who show up every day with skill, compassion, and determination.
“This honorary degree strengthens my personal commitment to share the learning gathered over my career: what it means to lead with purpose, to stay grounded in values, to listen carefully, take learning quickly and to use evidence and innovation to improve outcomes for patients and staff alike.”
Diane was presented for her honorary degree by Professor Chris Langley, Professor of Pharmacy Law and Practice and Head of Aston Pharmacy School who said: “Diane has a passion for improvement, patient safety and high-quality care and has a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in implementing robust governance processes.
“Aston University and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust have several collaborative research projects which are already delivering impact, and we have strengthened this partnership by supporting the Trust as they worked towards establishing themselves as a university hospital.
“Aston University also works closely with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust within Birmingham Health Partners, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with both trusts to achieve a shared ambition to drive innovation in clinical education, research, and patient care by combining academic expertise and clinical practice.”
