Stella Vig is a name that has become synonymous with resilience, innovation, and leadership in the National Health Service (NHS). As a consultant vascular and general surgeon with over three decades of experience, she has carved a reputation for excellence in patient care, surgical training, and healthcare transformation. In 2023, she was appointed as National Medical Director for Secondary Care and Quality at NHS England, while also continuing her vital role as National Clinical Director for Elective Care. Her journey from frontline surgical practice to shaping national health policies is a remarkable story of dedication and vision.
Early Career and Surgical Journey
Stella Vig’s career began in an era when the NHS faced constant pressures—growing patient demand, limited resources, and the need for evolving surgical practices. She pursued medicine with a passion for surgery, eventually specialising in vascular and general surgery. By 2006, she became a consultant surgeon at Croydon University Hospital, a role she continues to hold.
Her clinical expertise lies in the management of vascular conditions, with a strong focus on diabetic foot care. Amputation prevention has been one of her enduring commitments, as she believes that timely intervention and multi-disciplinary collaboration can save lives and preserve quality of life. Beyond her surgical duties, she has been a mentor, educator, and advocate for continuous professional development, ensuring that new generations of surgeons receive the support and skills they need to thrive.
Championing Elective Care
One of Stella Vig’s most recognised contributions to the NHS has been her work in elective care. Elective procedures, often overshadowed by emergency services, are critical to patient wellbeing and quality of life. From joint replacements to cataract surgery, delays in elective procedures can cause immense suffering.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective care faced unprecedented disruption. Thousands of patients experienced cancellations and extended waiting times. Stella Vig rose to this challenge by designing and implementing innovative recovery strategies. At Croydon University Hospital, she helped develop the “hospital within a hospital” model—an approach that ring-fenced elective services, allowing planned operations to continue safely alongside emergency and COVID-related care.
This model not only restored patient confidence but also became an example of how innovation and leadership could safeguard services in times of crisis. Her strategies have since influenced national policy, demonstrating her ability to turn local initiatives into scalable solutions.
National Leadership Roles
Stella Vig’s appointment as National Clinical Director for Elective Care marked a significant step in her career. In this capacity, she has been responsible for advising NHS England on strategies to reduce backlogs, enhance efficiency, and improve patient access to planned procedures. Her leadership has been crucial in setting realistic recovery targets, balancing safety with speed, and ensuring that resources are used effectively.
In 2023, her leadership responsibilities expanded further when she became National Medical Director for Secondary Care and Quality. This role places her at the heart of NHS England’s mission to improve clinical outcomes, reduce health inequalities, and ensure that secondary care services are sustainable. It is a testament to the trust placed in her judgment and her proven track record of delivering meaningful change.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout her career, Stella Vig has received multiple accolades for her service and leadership. She was named Mentor of the Year by the NHS Leadership Academy in 2015, an honour that reflected her commitment to guiding and supporting colleagues. She has also been awarded the prestigious Silver Scalpel Award for her dedication to surgical training and the Dr Rose Polge Award for her work in improving healthcare systems.
These recognitions underscore her dual identity: not only a skilled surgeon but also a transformative leader who shapes the culture and future of the NHS.
Training and Mentorship
Beyond patient care and system leadership, Stella Vig has always placed strong emphasis on training. She believes that mentorship is not simply about passing on knowledge but about fostering resilience, adaptability, and compassion in younger doctors.
Her mentees describe her as approachable, inspirational, and deeply invested in their success. She has consistently advocated for inclusion and diversity in medicine, recognising that representation matters in both leadership and patient care. By championing under-represented voices in surgery, she has helped shift perceptions and open doors for aspiring clinicians across the UK.
Advocacy for Patient-Centred Care
Central to Stella Vig’s philosophy is the belief that patients must remain at the core of every decision. Whether in her surgical work, her leadership roles, or her writing, she highlights the importance of dignity, empathy, and partnership in healthcare.
She has repeatedly emphasised that elective recovery is not just about statistics and waiting lists, but about real lives—patients waiting in pain, families anxious about delays, and communities impacted by health inequalities. Her leadership consistently seeks to balance efficiency with compassion, ensuring that system improvements translate into better human outcomes.
Innovation During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining period for healthcare systems worldwide. For Stella Vig, it was a chance to demonstrate how leadership under pressure could transform outcomes.
Her role in establishing safe elective pathways at Croydon University Hospital helped thousands of patients access surgery despite the chaos of the pandemic. This innovation not only protected patients but also safeguarded staff morale and wellbeing. It demonstrated how creativity, collaboration, and determination could overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The success of the “hospital within a hospital” model became a case study for other NHS trusts, further reinforcing her reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
A Voice in National Debate
Stella Vig is also a visible figure in public discussions about the NHS. She frequently contributes to conferences, writes opinion pieces, and participates in forums about surgical training, healthcare recovery, and clinical leadership. Her insights are valued not only for their expertise but also for their clarity and groundedness in real clinical experience.
By bridging the gap between frontline medicine and national policymaking, she ensures that strategies are not abstract theories but practical, patient-centred solutions.
Legacy and Future Vision
Looking ahead, Stella Vig’s legacy will be defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence in both clinical practice and system leadership. Her vision for the NHS includes:
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Sustainable elective services that balance demand with capacity.
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Stronger training frameworks that prepare surgeons for the realities of modern healthcare.
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Patient-centred systems where human dignity remains paramount.
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Inclusive leadership that ensures diversity and representation at all levels.
Her influence will continue to shape not only elective recovery but the wider transformation of secondary care in the NHS.
Conclusion
Stella Vig embodies the qualities that the NHS values most—clinical expertise, compassionate care, and visionary leadership. From her beginnings as a dedicated surgeon to her current role as a national medical director, she has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patients and colleagues alike.
Her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and leadership in the face of enormous challenges. Whether through safeguarding elective care during the pandemic, mentoring the next generation of doctors, or shaping national health strategies, Stella Vig has left an indelible mark on the NHS.
