An East London NHS chief executive has been awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Year's Honours list.

Lorraine Sunduza, interim chief executive of East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), made an significant contribution to public life and in NHS leadership, securing her spot on this year's list.

The OBE honours the significant impact Ms Sunduza's career has had on the National Health Service.

Ms Sunduza started her professional journey in adult mental health inpatient services, joining ELFT in 2002 as a charge nurse in the forensic mental health directorate.

Following this, she was appointed as the trust’s chief nurse in 2018, stepping up as deputy CEO in 2021 and continuing on to the interim chief executive spot in 2023.

Ms Sunduza said: "I am humbled and delighted to be chosen to receive an OBE.

"The honour for me is actually being chosen for the things that I am passionate about.

"I know that I could not have done any of it without the tremendous support that I have from my family, friends, and colleagues."

The OBE honour highlights individuals who have played a key role locally, as well as those who have gained national recognition in their sphere of influence.

Decades of hard work in the NHS and her impact on NHS leadership have translated into an OBE for Ms Sunduza.

Eileen Taylor, chair of East London Foundation Trust, said: "I am delighted at this well-deserved recognition for Lorraine’s contribution over many years of service to the NHS and to nursing.

"Lorraine is an inspirational role model to us all."

The East London NHS Foundation Trust, which Ms Sunduza leads, offers mental health and community services in East London, London, Bedfordshire, and Luton.

It also provides forensic mental health services to North East London, and is recognised as a centre of excellence for innovation and improvement.

ELFT has a workforce of 6,500 staff and operates services from more than 100 sites, being rated as ‘outstanding’ several times by the Care Quality Commission.

The formal ceremony, in which Ms Sunduza will be officially invested with the honours by the King, or another member of the Royal Family, will take place at a future date.