18 June 2026

The Friends of St Mary's Hospital is marking the end of an era as Lesley Myland steps down as Chair after 12 years of dedicated service and leadership.

Since becoming Chair in 2014, Lesley has played a key role in supporting the charity's mission to enhance the experience of patients, visitors, and staff at St Mary's Hospital. Under her leadership, the Friends has continued to raise funds for equipment, facilities and projects that go beyond what can be funded through NHS budgets, helping to improve care and support services across the Island.

Although stepping down as Chair, Lesley will remain involved with the charity in her new role as President of the Friends of St Mary's Hospital, ensuring that her experience, knowledge, and passion continue to benefit the organisation and the communities it serves.

Lesley said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Friends of St Mary's Hospital for the past 12 years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated volunteers, trustees and Trust colleagues who share a passion for supporting patients, visitors, and staff.

"I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, particularly our ability to adapt and recover through challenging times while continuing to support the hospital through fundraising, donations and volunteering. The Friends has always been about people coming together to make a difference, and I have seen first-hand the impact that support can have.

"While I am stepping down as Chair, I am delighted to continue my involvement as President of the Friends. I look forward to supporting the charity as it enters its next chapter under new leadership and am confident it has a bright future ahead."

Joe Smyth, Chief Officer of Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Lesley for her outstanding dedication and leadership over the past 12 years.

"Through her commitment and passion, Lesley has helped the Friends of St Mary's Hospital make a lasting difference to patients, visitors and staff. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has achieved and are delighted that she will continue to support the charity in her new role as President.”

The Friends has also announced that Tricia Smith MBE has been appointed as the charity's new Chair. Tricia has served as a Trustee of the Friends and brings a wealth of experience from the health, voluntary and community sectors.

Tricia Smith MBE said: “Lesley will be a hard act to follow. She has been an exceptional Chair, leading the Friends with integrity, compassion, and dedication, while ensuring the organisation remained a valued part of St Mary's Hospital through both opportunities and challenges. I am delighted that she will continue to support the Friends in her new role as President.

"It is an honour to have been appointed Chair. Having worked at St Mary's Hospital before retiring, I have seen first-hand the difference the Friends makes to patients, staff, and visitors. I look forward to working with our trustees, volunteers, and partners to continue supporting the hospital and enhancing the care and services available to our Island community.”

To find out more about the projects and equipment funded by the Friends of St Mary's Hospital, visit the charity's website.