12 June 2026

After 25 years of dedicated service to CNWL, Dr Con Kelly will retire from his role as Chief Medical Officer in December. 

Claire Murdoch, CNWL's Chief Executive, said

Con has been an exceptional clinical leader whose commitment to patient care, safety, and the wellbeing of our staff has shaped this organisation in profound and lasting ways. His calm judgement, compassion and unwavering focus on quality have guided us through some of the most challenging periods in the NHS. We will have many opportunities over the coming months to reflect on his contributions and to thank him properly. 

We will shortly begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Medical Officer, and I will keep you updated as this progresses. We will of course be aiming to recruit the best of the best as Con leaves some very big shoes to fill! In the meantime, Con will continue to lead our medical workforce and clinical governance agenda with the same dedication he has always shown. 

Dr Kelly shared this message with colleagues: 

"It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve CNWL and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues across all our services. I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and I know the organisation will continue to thrive in the years ahead. My focus over the coming months will be to help ensure a smooth transition and to support the team in every way I can. I’m also a resident in the local CNWL area so I will try and keep an eye on things from a different perspective in the future!" 

Join us in expressing our deep gratitude to Con for everything he has given to CNWL. We wish him the very best as he prepares for this next chapter.