Posted on: 22 April 2025
Interim leadership arrangements announced as part of citywide review
NHS providers across Leeds are taking a significant step towards closer collaboration, supported by the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), as part of a wider review of how local organisations work together to plan and deliver integrated care services.
NHS providers in Leeds are working with GPs and Leeds City Council to form a formal ‘provider partnership’ that will improve people’s health, join up care, and create a more local, neighbourhood-based health service built on shared priorities. It follows the national direction of travel towards provider collaboration, ahead of the publication of a new 10-year health plan and further transformation of NHS services.
Chief executives of health and care providers in Leeds, including the local authority, are working together to review current provision and develop a plan for this work, expected to last around six months.
The review will be led by Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with support from leaders across the city.
Professor Wood said: “In order to improve the health of our local population we need to look at how we better deliver care across all health and care organisations in the city. As the role of the Integrated Care Board moves to being a commissioner of services for the population, it is vital for providers to play a lead role in establishing an integrated neighbourhood health service which is accessible and efficient and looks to improve health and wellbeing of our citizens.”
To support this work, partners have agreed interim leadership arrangements for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH), following the resignation of Chief Executive Selina Douglas earlier this year. In light of potential changes across the local NHS, the Trust will pause its recruitment to a permanent role whilst the review is underway.
Dr Sara Munro, current Chief Executive, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT), will take on the role of interim Chief Executive at LCH from May.
Dr Munro said: “During this intense period of change I feel honoured to have been asked to provide continuity and stability to Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH). This is only possible because of the strength of our relationships within the partnerships we have in Leeds.
“I’ve no doubt that staff at LCH may feel anxious about what this announcement means for them. However, this does not change anything for the day-to-day work of LCH or for LYPFT, and those who use their services will continue to receive the great care they deserve.
“I look forward to working with LCH’s senior team and ensuring we all contribute fully to the wider system review. This will give us a blueprint for the future so we can improve outcomes for our citizens and ensure our staff have a rewarding career that makes a difference.”
Rob Webster CBE, Chief Executive, the NHS West Yorkshire ICB, said: “Each of our five places in West Yorkshire [Bradford District & Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield] is considering how providers work together to deliver improved outcomes for local people, join up services and simplify care.
“I am grateful to partners in Leeds for taking a positive step forward on this exciting set of developments and look forward to seeing how the city responds to opportunities and challenge ahead. I would also like to thank Sara and the Boards of LYPFT and LCH for their leadership.”
Brodie Clark CBE, Chair, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Although Selina has been with us for a relatively short time, she has been a valued and transformative figure within LCH. She has made a positive impact both within the city and alongside West Yorkshire Partners.
“I am pleased that we are capitalising on the strength of our local partnerships within Leeds and that interim arrangements are from within the city. We look forward to working with all our partners as we approach this period of change together, for the benefit of the people of Leeds while we continue to provide the best possible care.”
Mariana Pexton, Director of Strategy and Resources at Leeds City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be a partner in this crucial work for the health and wellbeing of the city, one of our big ambitions. The NHS faces a lot of uncertainty, but in typical Leeds fashion we are seizing the opportunity of our strong partnership to do the best we can for those we serve, including drawing on the strength of our communities.”