Caring for people, leading with heart

December 12, 2025

Born and raised in Canterbury, Victoria Leov began her career here as a nurse after completing her studies at Ara. Starting her clinical career in General Practice and Oncology gave her a strong foundation in patient care and a deep appreciation for the difference that skilled, compassionate teams make every day.

Victoria soon found herself drawn toward leadership. “I wanted to understand why decisions were made, considerations of the impact they had and how they could be rolled out in the best possible way,” she says.

That curiosity led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Nursing and step into leadership roles across both primary and secondary care.

Victoria’s career most recently took her to Australia, where she became Chief Operating Officer for a Queensland Hospital and Health Service, overseeing the care delivery to an area the size of Tasmania. But as a family home was calling and there was a strong desire to return to New Zealand.

Returning to Canterbury, Victoria says joining St George’s felt like a dream opportunity. “As a local, I know the legacy and significance of St George’s. To now be part of the hospital’s future feels very special. Everyone has been so genuinely welcoming.”

Victoria is passionate about supporting staff and describes the core purpose of her role as ensuring that we provide an environment where people can thrive together as a team. “When we get the environment right, patients experience great care”. She is especially interested in using technology and data to strengthen patient care, while ensuring that human connection is at the centre of everything.

“It’s the small things that make the biggest difference,” Victoria says. “Patients and families want to feel safe, heard, and valued. Everyone brings their own individuality, and it’s important that we acknowledge and support that. Even something as simple as great food, such a fundamental part of good health, is done exceptionally well at St George’s. Combined with our highly skilled clinical teams, it creates an ideal environment for care and healing.”

Looking ahead, Victoria is excited about the possibilities of innovations such as surgical robotics, while also building on the hospital’s proud history of caring for the Canterbury community.

When she’s not at work, Victoria enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family – skiing, tramping and mountain biking.

We’re delighted to welcome Victoria to the St George’s whānau and look forward to the warmth, leadership and vision she brings.