We’re delighted to announce that Ben Mensah will be joining our Trust as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Ben, who is currently Director of Same Day Emergency Care at North London NHS Foundation Trust, will be taking over from our current COO, Lorna Payne, when she retires in June.
With over 20 years’ experience in the NHS across senior clinical and operational leadership roles, Ben's current role involves leading urgent and emergency mental health services across multiple boroughs.
Welcoming Ben, Chief Executive Graham Wareham said: “Ben will be a great addition to our leadership team. He brings an in-depth understanding of clinical and operational issues, has a real passion for transformation and co-design, and significant experience in mental health and partnership working. I look forward to him bringing all his skills and experience to support our drive to give the communities we support better lives.”
Ben previously served as Managing Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services, and co-led the development of the core CAMHS offer across North Central London in partnership with Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
Ben said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining Surrey and Borders. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a simple principle - services should work for patients and the people who care for them. I’m passionate about creating environments where staff feel supported to do their best work, and where patients experience care that is timely, compassionate and makes a real difference to their lives.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, partners, patients and carers to build on the strong foundations already in place and continue improving outcomes across all of our services.”
Ben has experience working across all age groups and a range of specialist services, with a strong focus on improving flow, outcomes and patient experience across complex systems. He has received multiple HSJ Awards for his work in service transformation, co-production and reducing inequalities, and was recognised as National BAME Inclusive Leader of the Year in 2025.
