RCHT Chief Executive Steve Williamson to Leave Role in April

The Chief Executive Officer of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Steve Williamson, has announced he will be leaving Cornwall in April to take up a new role in the North of England.

Steve will become Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, ending a four year period leading RCHT.

Four Years of Change at RCHT

During Steve’s time as Chief Executive, RCHT has recorded a number of major achievements. These include significantly reducing elective waiting times and being placed in the best 10 Trusts in the country for cancer waiting times.

The Trust has also strengthened urgent and emergency care, secured major research investment, and received approval for a new Women and Children’s Hospital. This development is set to be the largest capital investment in Cornwall’s healthcare history.

More recently, RCHT was named as one of only three Trusts in the South West to achieve the highest segment in the new National Operational Framework assessment. It was also ranked among the top 20 NHS Acute Trusts nationally.

Steve Williamson on His Decision

Speaking about his move, Steve Williamson said:
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such talented and committed colleagues at RCHT. Together, we’ve faced challenges whilst making significant progress in improving care for our patients. Looking ahead, I am privileged to have the opportunity to take on the Chief Executive role at Morecambe Bay and work with colleagues there to lead the future of hospital and health services in that region. For family reasons we now want to be closer to our home in the North of England and this new opportunity is one that I am very much looking forward to. I will always carry immense pride in what the amazing teams have here at RCHT and across the wider health and care system have made it possible to accomplish.”

Thanks From the Chair

RCHT Chair David Allen also paid tribute to Steve’s leadership. He said:
“I want to express our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication over the past 4 years. Steve has played such an important role in securing investment for our hospitals, overseeing significant improvements in our performance and patient safety, and ensuring RCHT and Cornwall has had a voice in regional and national developments. Steve’s vision and passion will leave a lasting legacy at RCHT.”

What Happens Next

RCHT has confirmed it will continue to focus on improving patient care and safety. This includes the rollout of eCare and further development of the new Women and Children’s Hospital.

The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer is expected to begin early in the New Year.