NHS boss to lead trust he started at 22 years ago

An NHS boss who started his managerial career at the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust more than 20 years ago will return to lead it in the summer.

James Blythe, the interim group chief executive at the St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group in Surrey and south west London, will come back to lead the Berkshire trust after current CEO Steve McManus retires.

Blythe said his appointment is an "an enormous privilege".

"Over the last few weeks, I've come to appreciate the exceptional culture, drive to innovate and focus on patient care that makes [the trust] so special, and I'm really excited to work with the team to ensure this continues and goes further," he added.

Oke Eleazu, the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust's chairman, said Blythe will bring a "vast amount of experience and expertise gained from more than two decades of leadership roles within the NHS."

McManus said leading the trust since 2017 had been the "privilege of my life" and he will leave with "a heavy heart".

"Leading an organisation like this one, that has been at the centre of the community it serves for almost 200 years is a huge honour for anyone taking on the role," McManus added.

"I know that James will lead the trust into this next period supported by a hugely capable team, and I wish them the absolute best and all the success as they do so.

"My job now is to make sure that James is able to arrive well into the CEO role and we continue the outstanding work we do each day for this community."