Lorraine Sunduza OBE awarded Honorary Doctor of Science degree

Lorraine Sunduza OBE, the CEO of the East London NHS Foundation Trust, was recently awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by City St George’s, University of London.

As an exceptional leader in mental health nursing and healthcare, Lorraine has devoted more than two decades to improving services, championing equity and transforming the lives of some of the most disadvantaged communities in East London and beyond.

Lorraine began her career as a mental health nurse after graduating from De Montfort University, where she worked in adult inpatient services before joining East London NHS Foundation Trust in 2002. She progressed through a series of senior leadership roles, becoming Head of Nursing for Forensic Services, then Deputy Director of Nursing for London - Mental Health, and later Chief Nurse. In 2024, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Trust after previously serving as Deputy CEO.

Her leadership has helped make East London NHS Foundation Trust the only Trust of its kind to achieve three consecutive “outstanding” ratings from the Care Quality Commission. Lorraine’s approach is rooted in values, compassion and a deep commitment to fairness, transparency, human rights and cultural change. Her impact has been especially significant in supporting minority ethnic communities and addressing the effects of structural racism within nursing and the wider health system.

Lorraine’s contribution extends far beyond the UK. She has played an influential global role, supporting nursing and mental health development in Uganda, helping champion the profession internationally through the Malawi Nurses Association and Zimbabwe Midwifery and Nursing Association. She is a key contributor to the Global Majority Executive Chief Nurse Network and has supported national leadership development programmes across England.

Lorraine has also been a longstanding partner to City St George’s, ensuring high-quality placements for mental health nursing students and regularly visiting to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. Her achievements were recognised in 2024 when she was awarded an OBE for outstanding contributions to mental health, community health and NHS leadership.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lorraine said:

"Today is a day of pride and celebration. To our graduates from Nursing and Midwifery: you have earned this. You have studied, practised, reflected, and persevered — often in challenging circumstances — and you are here because you did not give up. That matters.

"I stand before you today as someone who began my own career as a nurse. I did not set out with a grand plan to lead an organisation. I set out wanting to care, to make a difference, and to do my job well. What I learned very quickly is that nursing and midwifery shape you — not just professionally, but personally. They teach you humility, resilience, and the importance of truly seeing the person in front of you.

"Graduates — today is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning of a career that will challenge you, stretch you, and reward you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Congratulations. Nursing and midwifery are richer because you are joining them."