The chief executive in charge West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been shortlisted for CEO of the year in a UK health awards.

Samantha Jones, who was appointed in February 2013, is one of 11 chiefs vying for the title in the Health Service Journal awards.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on November 19.

The trust, which has sites in Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, has also been shortlisted in the patient safety award category.

Health Service Journal editor Alastair McLellan said: "The HSJ Awards are the greatest celebration of one of the world’s finest healthcare systems.

"The excellence it recognises is the best example of why the NHS remains Britain’s best loved institution."