Royal Oldham Hospital trust CEO Owen Williams to step down in September

Dr Owen Williams, who has led the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust since November 2021, will step down as chief executive in September 2026. The trust operates Royal Oldham Hospital along with Salford Royal and Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, serving hundreds of thousands of patients across Greater Manchester.

During his tenure, Williams has overseen significant improvement programmes and helped stabilise the trust's financial position. The NCA praised his work in strengthening clinical leadership and implementing clear strategies for better patient care and organisational sustainability.

Sheena McDonnell, chair of the NCA, highlighted Williams' commitment to being visible and accessible across the hospitals. '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,' she said.

The trust has promised to share details about Williams' replacement in the coming weeks. His departure comes at a crucial time for Royal Oldham Hospital, which continues to face pressure from growing patient demand and ongoing challenges in the NHS.

Williams' leadership has focused on transformation and improvement, with his chair noting that his commitment is already making a positive difference for patients and services. The search for his successor will be closely watched by staff and patients across the three hospitals.