Len Richards has been appointed Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
The appointment follows Martin Barkley’s decision to step down from the role, after spending five years in the post.
Richards will join the Trust from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, where he has been Chief Cxecutive since 2017.
Len Richards said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be joining the Trust at what is such a critical time for the NHS. It is clear that Mid Yorkshire has made significant progress in recent years in improving services and creating a positive culture for staff, to be given the opportunity to lead the Trust in its continuing journey towards providing an excellent patient experience each and every time is a privilege. And I’m really looking forward to working with what is clearly a committed and dedicated workforce.”
Richards has spent time aboard working in the Australian healthcare system and in his first senior role as Chief Executive at Wirral Hospitals NHS Trust, he oversaw their move to a Foundation NHS Trust. Richards was also recently awarded the CEO Today UK award, given to those who show “excellent business leadership.”
Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to make this appointment. The Trust, like all others across the country, has experienced extraordinary pressure throughout this last year due to the pandemic. As we focus our attention on the recovery of services for our patients and support for our staff, Len’s considerable experience and expertise will no doubt prove invaluable. I look forward to working alongside him, building on the great work already in place, and taking forward our ambitious plans for the future.”
Richards will start in the role in October.
