A London-based charity that fundraises for two NHS hospitals has become an independent organisation and moved away from being governed by its NHS trust.
This week, King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity announced it had become independent from the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, its corporate trustee.
In November 2023, the organisation revealed plans to recruit a new chair as part of its aim to become an independent charity.
Then, in July 2025, it appointed Barbara Kasumu as interim chief executive.
Yesterday, the charity said that, as an independent organisation, it will continue to fund projects across King George Hospital in Ilford and Queen’s Hospital in Romford, adding that it now has “more autonomy to manage its own governance and has a new board of trustees”.
To celebrate its independence, the charity has also rebranded, including an updated logo.
Kasumu said: “Becoming an independent charity means we can raise more funds and support transformative projects that improve the lives of thousands of patients, families and staff who use our hospitals every day.
“We’re committed to making our hospitals the best they can be.
“From providing the latest innovative technology, to making them better equipped, more comfortable and welcoming to everyone who needs them.
“By working closely with hospital teams, we’ll focus our efforts where they matter most, funding projects that make a real and lasting difference for the people in our community who need us.”
