The trust in charge of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary has appointed a new chief executive.
Steve Williamson will join the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) after the completion of his notice period at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, where he currently serves as chief executive.
"I am delighted to be appointed as the new chief executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and am eager to begin this important work," he said.
"Delivering healthcare across the Morecambe Bay area brings significant challenges, but it also offers incredible opportunities. I have already witnessed the creativity and commitment of teams there, and I look forward to working alongside them to build on these innovative approaches and make a real difference for our communities.”
Andrew Stephenson CBE, chair of UHMBT, said the appointment followed "a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process, which attracted an exceptional field of candidates".
"The decision was challenging for the panel, but we are confident that Steve brings the experience, vision, and leadership qualities needed to guide our organisation through the next stage of its development," said Mr Stephenson.
"Steve has extensive executive experience in leading hospital and health services, both within the NHS and internationally. His career includes senior roles in Portsmouth, Southampton, South Tyneside, and Australia.
"Prior to his current role, Steve was chief executive of Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, where he was responsible for 12 hospitals and community health services across a region spanning 110,000 km².
"During his five-year tenure, he spearheaded the creation of an innovative regional medical school education programme and launched the 10,000 Lives initiative to tackle health inequalities.
"Steve is passionate about delivering high-quality regional and rural healthcare close to home and believes strongly in working collaboratively to achieve outstanding outcomes for patients and communities.
"His NHS leadership experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer and chief executive at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, as well as senior roles at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, where he oversaw major specialist services including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and trauma care.
"We look forward to welcoming Steve to the Trust and working together to continue improving services for the communities we serve.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Scott McLean for the exceptional work he has done, and continues to do, as Interim Chief Executive. His commitment and efforts are greatly appreciated and have made a real difference."
In his current role, Steve has been chief executive at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust for the last four years.
During that time the trust has made significant progress improving elective waiting times, is one of the top 10 trusts nationally for cancer waiting times, has significantly improved Urgent and Emergency Care access, secured significant National Institute of Health and Care (NIHR) investment to establish a Commercial Research Delivery Centre supporting rural and coastal research capability, and is one of the top 20 trusts nationally in the recently published NHS league tables.
The UHMBT runs services at the RLI, as well as Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, and in Morecambe, Ulverston and Millom.
It was announced in July that Aaron Cummins (below), chief executive of UHMBT since 2018, would become the new chief executive of the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Lancaster hospice receives £14k from water company's cross bay walk
Lancaster education leader awarded CBE in King's New Year's Honours List
Family-run cake shop in Morecambe crowned Best Bakery at UK awards
Lancaster and Morecambe pop-up food clubs and community meals announced
Emergency services called to road collision in Carnforth
Police report positive results of pre-Christmas visits to Lancaster and Morecambe venues
Teenager arrested and motorbike seized after youths seen riding dangerously in Morecambe
Arrest after motorcyclist seriously injured in crash in Morecambe
Body found in search for missing Lancaster University student
Lancashire residents asked for views on police funding
New scheme to display names of residents on North West air ambulances
Investigation closed into prisoner's death at Lancaster hospital
LISTEN: How Lancaster life coach aims to spread Christmas cheer this year
Lancaster schoolgirl's design wins Mayor’s Christmas card competition
Heysham Power Stations worker wins coveted Apprentice of the Year award
Iconic former Morecambe hotel and nightclub set to go under the hammer
Record-breaking funding expected for Morecambe events and festivals
TV star Brian Cox pays a visit to Lancaster’s Police Museum
Morecambe Football Club confirm details of Fans’ Forum
Multiple people treated after carbon monoxide leak at Morecambe address
