NHS trust's boss to leave role next summer

Steve McManus will leave his role leading the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust next year

The chief executive of a Berkshire NHS trust will leave his post in July after nearly 40 years in the service.

Steve McManus, who has led the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust since 2017, said holding the post was "an absolute honour and privilege".

Mr McManus spearheaded efforts to find the trust a new site, away from its ageing Reading location, but the government announced in January that it would not move until 2037 at the earliest.

"There's been the inevitable highs and lows along the way, but we're now in a very strong and sound position and the time feels right to hand over the baton," he said.

"Without a doubt we have exceptional people here who have the determination and drive to take us from good to great to outstanding."

The trust said he had "championed a decade of transformation, investment and innovation which has seen the trust gaining an outstanding reputation on the national and international stage for world class research".

He also led "pioneering initiatives", including Call 4 Concern, a forerunner to Martha's Rule, the trust said.

Mr McManus said he hoped his remaining nine months in post would "give reassurance to our staff and patients" that the trust's performance will continue, while giving it time to recruit his successor.

He then hopes to focus on executive coaching, "supporting the next generation of leaders", he added.

Oke Eleazu, the trust's chairperson, said: "Steve has four decades of outstanding service to the NHS and his huge experience, expertise and dedication has been critical to the success of this trust.

"[Mr McManus] is widely respected across the NHS, and beyond, as a great leader, innovator and thoroughly decent man," he added.