Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust welcomes new Chief Executive

We are very pleased to announce that Len Richards has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive at the Trust comes following Martin Barkley’s decision to retire after five years in the post and nearly 50 years’ service to the NHS.

Len will join the Trust from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, where he has been Chief Executive since 2017. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the health sector, having served on the executive boards of healthcare systems both in the UK and abroad.

Beginning his career as a production engineer, he has gone on to be successful in a number of senior positions. After serving as a Deputy Chief Executive, his first Chief Executive post was for Wirral Hospitals NHS Trust in August 2006, where he oversaw the Trust’s move to ‘Foundation’ status.

Following a spell in Australia where he spent four years working within the Australian healthcare system, he became Chief Executive for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Len Richards said: “I am delighted to be joining the Trust at what is such a critical time for the NHS. It is clear that Mid Yorkshire has made significant progress in recent years in improving services and creating a positive culture for staff.

To be given the opportunity to lead the Trust in its continuing journey towards providing an excellent patient experience each and every time is a privilege. And I’m really looking forward to working with what is clearly a committed and dedicated workforce.”

Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to make this appointment. The Trust, like all others across the country, has experienced extraordinary pressure throughout this last year due to the pandemic. As we focus our attention on the recovery of services for our patients and support for our staff, Len’s considerable experience and expertise will no doubt prove invaluable. I look forward to working alongside him, building on the great work already in place, and taking forward our ambitious plans for the future.”

The Chair added, “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Martin Barkley for his many years of dedicated service to the NHS and for the inspirational leadership he’s provided Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust over the last five years.”

Len will take up his appointment at Mid Yorkshire in October.