Nurse Margaret Lee to Lead Alexandra Hospital as CEO from 2026

Margaret Lee is set to become the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Alexandra Hospital in Singapore, starting on January 1, 2026. Her ascent to this leadership role is notable, as she is among the few nurses in the country to reach such a high position within the healthcare sector. Lee emphasizes that her unconventional background provides her with unique perspectives that can enhance hospital management.

Lee’s journey into healthcare was not straightforward. Initially, she struggled academically and nursing was not her first choice. “It was one of the few options offered with my GCE O-Level results,” the 49-year-old explained. Despite her reservations, she began her career as a clinical nurse at the National University Hospital (NUH) in 2001, where she worked in intensive care and other specialized units.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence

In her role at NUH, Lee faced challenges that tested her leadership abilities. As a liver dialysis coordinator, she provided clinical care while also managing junior nurses and equipment procurement. During this period, she experienced feelings of imposter syndrome, questioning her capability to lead. “It was a steep learning curve for me,” Lee shared.

Her breakthrough came as she gained experience and recognized the impact of her leadership decisions. For example, after advocating for more efficient equipment to reduce nurses’ long shifts, she saw improvements in team morale and patient care. In 2016, she took on expanded responsibilities as the nursing lead in preparations for the redevelopment of Alexandra Hospital. By 2019, she had become the hospital’s chief nurse, and five years later, she was appointed deputy CEO after successfully guiding her team through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lee believes that diverse leadership is essential to avoid groupthink and foster innovation. “When everyone in the boardroom comes from the same background… there’s a high risk of groupthink,” she stated. Her commitment to diversity is reflected in her actions as chief culture officer, a position she took on in 2022. In this role, she focused on addressing low morale and high turnover rates among staff, particularly nurses.

Transforming Hospital Culture and Embracing Innovation

Recognizing that effective leadership requires listening to staff, Lee implemented various initiatives to improve workplace culture. She introduced flexible working arrangements, allowing nurses to complete administrative tasks from home, thereby alleviating some of the burdens faced after long shifts. Additionally, the hospital expanded teleconsultation services, enabling patients to receive care remotely, which also enhanced staff efficiency.

As Alexandra Hospital prepares for a significant expansion from its current 300-bed capacity to a 1,300-bed facility by 2028, Lee acknowledges that the healthcare landscape is evolving. “Thinking out of the box isn’t just a luxury… it’s necessary,” she remarked. This mindset is crucial as the industry adapts to an ageing population with increasingly complex healthcare needs.

Lee is also advocating for the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within hospital operations. She supports optional workshops to familiarize staff with AI, believing it can foster an open and innovative atmosphere. “Shying away from innovation will only sabotage the hospital,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of equipping staff with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

Lee’s leadership philosophy revolves around the idea that growth must accompany service. “People need to feel they are learning, growing and staying relevant,” she stated, advocating for an environment where staff can develop new skills and feel valued. Her commitment to nurturing a supportive workplace is evident as she aims to ensure that healthcare remains a fulfilling choice for professionals rather than a burden.

As she prepares to take on her new role, Margaret Lee stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of diverse perspectives in healthcare leadership. Her journey reflects the evolving nature of the healthcare industry and the critical need for leaders who can adapt and innovate in the face of complex challenges.