15/01/2026
Lawrence Tallon, former Deputy Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, studied history rather than healthcare, but even then, he knew he wanted a career with real purpose.
With experience across the civil service, the NHS and overseas healthcare, Lawrence joined Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in March 2020, just days before the pandemic was declared and the Royal Brompton and Harefield merger was about to begin.
It was an extraordinary moment to step into the organisation. At a time of national crisis, Lawrence found himself helping to lead the Brompton and Harefield side of the merger - supporting patients, colleagues and services through one of the most challenging periods the NHS has ever faced.
What stayed with him most was the people. As he got to know Royal Brompton and Harefield, he came to admire its world-leading clinical reputation, and to truly value its unique culture, sense of community and teamwork. For Lawrence, it was a very special place to work, and he made some incredible friends along the way.
Driven by impact and public service, securing the future of Royal Brompton and Harefield through the merger, alongside investment in new diagnostics and technology, remains one of his proudest achievements.
And sometimes, it was the simplest moments that mattered most:
“People who know me at the Brompton, but particularly at Harefield, will know the annual cricket match became incredibly special to me,” Lawrence reflects. “Bringing two different teams together isn’t just about structures and meetings, it’s about culture. That sense of togetherness was a vital part of making the merger work.”
A reminder that it’s people, on and off the pitch, who truly shape an organisation.
Sign up to the Alumni Network to find out more about Lawrence Tallon's journey and to reconnect with other colleagues who have worked at our inspirational institution: https://alumni.rbht.nhs.uk/news/12977158
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