The chief executive of the trust that runs the Royal Oldham Hospital has announced he will step down from his role in September after nearly four years at the helm.

Owen Williams, who joined the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust in November 2021, has overseen a period of significant change across the organisation. The trust runs hospitals and community services in Oldham, Salford, Bury, and Rochdale, with the Royal Oldham Hospital being a key site for local residents.

During his tenure, Williams has focused on improving services, steadying finances, and reshaping care delivery. He also introduced the trust's 'Care, Appreciate and Inspire' values, which aim to foster a positive culture among staff.

The chair of the trust, Sheena McDonnell, paid tribute to his leadership, highlighting his hands-on approach. "Being visible, accessible and listening to colleagues and patients has always been important to Owen," she said. "He has spent a great deal of time across our hospitals and community services, in corridors and on wards, talking with colleagues, patients and visitors and taking the time to listen to their experiences."

McDonnell added: "His commitment to improvement is already making a positive difference for patients and services. I would like to thank Owen for the contribution he has made to the NCA and for the care, commitment and leadership he has shown during his time as Chief Executive Officer."

Reflecting on his time in charge, Williams said: "It has been a huge privilege to lead the NCA. While I am proud of the progress we have made, it is the everyday moments – meeting frontline colleagues, partners, speaking with patients and families, and seeing the dedication and compassion shown across our services – that I will remember and treasure the most."

He expressed confidence in the trust's future, stating: "I know that my departure won't hold the NCA back from looking ahead to the next phase of the improvement journey. The NCA's wider leadership team are all focussed on bringing the best possible care and services for the communities we serve and I know the 20,000-strong team of caring and inspirational people working with them can more than rise to the challenge of delivering this."

The trust has stated that further details about his successor will be announced in the coming weeks.