Wolverhampton and Walsall hospital boss to retire in March

Prof David Loughton took on the running of Walsall's NHS trust more than two years ago

The chief executive of two West Midlands hospital trusts is to retire next year after almost 40 years of working at the top level in the NHS.

Professor David Loughton has been at the helm of Royal Wolverhampton Trust for over 19 years and at Walsall Healthcare for the last two-and-a-half.

He will turn 70 in January and said he wanted to spend more time with family.

Trust chair David Nicholson said he had made a tremendous contribution and worked tirelessly to improve the NHS.

Prof Loughton dedicated much of his career to transforming health services in Wolverhampton, Walsall as well as making vital contributions at both regional and national level, the Wolverhampton trust said.

His work included leading research and development for many years, chairing the region's maternity network and cancer alliance, as well as bringing together the first Pathology Network.

Announcing his retirement in March next year, he said he felt it was the right time to take a step back, but that he leaves the trusts in a "a challenging and exciting period".

'Dynamic and forward-thinking'

"We still have much to do, however, to improve our patients' experience particularly since Covid-19," he said.

"Those who know me will all say I like to work at pace, and I have enjoyed implementing innovative ways of working to ensure the best possible care for our patients and a rewarding work environment for our staff."

He said his role had given him great pleasure and he was privileged to have led "such dynamic and forward-thinking" trusts which have a talented and dedicated workforce at their heart.

Sir David thanked Prof Loughton for his "support, leadership and dedication" over the decades.

The trusts will begin the recruitment process for a permanent group chief executive in the coming weeks.

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