Dr Shaz Wahid

Dr. Shaz Wahid is a distinguished Consultant Physician and healthcare leader whose contributions have reshaped acute care services across South Tyneside and Sunderland. With over two decades of clinical and strategic experience, he exemplifies a leader who bridges frontline care with organizational transformation.
Completing his medical education and training in the North East, Dr. Wahid began his consultant career at South Tyneside District Hospital in October 2003, specializing in Diabetes and Endocrinology, in addition to Acute and General Medicine.
Through his clinical dedication, he earned widespread respect as both a practitioner and educator among his peers and patients.
In 2006, Dr. Wahid took on the role of clinical lead for emergency care, steering the development of a modern Integrated Emergency Care Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital. This landmark facility opened in November 2012, streamlining urgent care and elevating patient outcomes in the region.
Dr. Wahid's leadership trajectory advanced significantly when he was appointed Medical Director of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust in December 2015. Following the merger with Sunderland NHS Foundation, he became Medical Director of the combined South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust in December 2018.
As Executive Medical Director, Dr. Wahid has been a driving force behind the Trust’s ambitious “Path to Excellence” programme—a plan aiming to transform local hospital services. He leads efforts to designate South Tyneside District Hospital for planned surgeries, while Sunderland Royal would focus on emergency operations, optimizing resources and enhancing service resilience.
He champions collaboration across staff and stakeholders, exemplified in inclusive workshops and public dialogue sessions, involving over 700 staff and elected members in shaping the future of hospital care.
Despite pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, he maintains that these transformational plans are more urgent than ever, aiming to ensure reliable, high-quality service delivery.
Dr. Wahid has been a vocal advocate of patient safety and innovation. Under his direction, the Trust received national acclaim for its pioneering Paediatric Emergency Department Asthma Assessment Tool (PEDAAT) and BeatAsthma+ initiative, which significantly improved outcomes for children with asthma. He lauded the Trust’s award-winning efforts, describing them as powerful examples of patient-centered innovation.
A firm believer in nurturing future clinicians, Dr. Wahid actively engages with medical graduates from regional schools. He has welcomed new Foundation doctors, particularly graduates from the University of Sunderland—Newcastle’s newest medical school—and has participated in their orientation and professional development.
He also encourages aspiring doctors from diverse backgrounds, serving at career events such as the “careers carousel” at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which introduces students to a wide range of specialities and medical pathways.
Dr. Wahid’s leadership is grounded in compassion and humility. This was evident when he presented the Robert Lawrence Medal to former patient—and South Shields nurse—Margaret Empson, in recognition of her 60‑year journey living with diabetes. He praised her resilience, highlighting the importance of patient stories in inspiring healthcare practitioners.