Steve Williamson will step down in April to take on a new role as Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
He has led Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) over the last 4 years, and during his time in post, has overseen major improvements.
These include significantly reducing elective waiting times, strengthening urgent and emergency care, securing major research investment, and being in the best 10 Trusts in the country for cancer waiting times.
Mr 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.”
Under Mr Williamson’s leadership, RCHT was named one of only three trusts in the South West to achieve the highest segment in the new National Operational Framework assessment and was ranked among the top 20 NHS acute trusts nationally.
The trust also secured approval for its new Women and Children’s Hospital, which will be the largest capital development in Cornwall’s healthcare history.
David Allen, chairman of RCHT, 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.”
The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer will begin early in the New Year.