The leading figure for overseeing health provision in the area has been recognised for his “patient first” approach.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, has been named as one of the Health Service Journal’s (HSJ) top 50 men and women at the forefront of healthcare.

Mr Hopkins was praised for his tireless efforts since heading up Queen’s Hospital in Romford and Ilford’s King George Hospital in 2014.

Ian James, chairman of the Trust’s Patient Partnership Council, said: “Under Matthew’s leadership the voice of the patient has been moved to the fore.

“The Patient Partnership Council is made up of independent people who must ensure the patient comes first, and under Matthew, that is absolutely the case.”

Anne-Marie Dean, Chairman of Healthwatch Havering, added: “Matthew and his team, despite the rising demands and the continued complexity of healthcare, have remained committed to working tirelessly to improve the standards of care at the hospital.

“We’ve found him to be open, approachable and inclusive and look forward to working with him and his team in the future.”

The chief executives were judged on three main criteria including the performance of their trust, their contribution to the wider health economy or the NHS and their personal example.