The top boss of Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust has chosen to step down after successfully opening the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Beeken has tendered his resignation after four remarkable years at the helm.
Chairman Sir David Nicholson commented: “Richard’s tenure has been marked by exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to delivering an inspiring vision that leaves a lasting legacy for us all. He has led us through a period of significant challenge and transformation, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and an extraordinary commitment. His crowning achievement has been the successful opening of our new hospital – a monumental task, completed in the face of adversity. Against the backdrop of unpredictable external challenges, he guided our team through every hurdle with determination and a clear sense of purpose.
“However, Richard’s impact goes far beyond the bricks-and-mortar success of our new facility. His leadership embodies the ethos of being #MoreThanAHospital. He understood the assignment under his leadership, embracing out of hospital service transformation to expand our Trust’s role in improving the health and wellbeing of the entire community. Richard will depart from the Trust in January 2025, having left the Trust well-positioned for continued success and growth.
“After thorough consideration and collaborative discussions, we have decided to move forward with the interim appointment of a single Chief Executive Officer, Ms Diane Wake, currently CEO of Dudley Group Foundation Trust (DGFT), to lead both trusts.”
With previous clinical and managerial leadership roles Diane brings a wealth of experience from her 40 plus years in the NHS. Her leadership across the Black Country on cancer, elective and diagnostic care and as the Senior Responsible Officer for the Black Country Provider Collaborative has seen the improvements required in a post-Covid NHS world. I am sure that she will have the ability to not only bring synergy to the way that the two trusts work but do so in a way which drives improvements for staff working at our trusts and those whom we serve.
He continued: “The plan is for SWB and DGFT to remain separate entities, each with its own unique identity, governance, and responsibilities. This change is about bringing our leadership closer together to unlock the potential for deeper collaboration and greater efficiency, not about combining the two organisations into one. By having one CEO, we are creating a synergy that will allow us to better align our strategies and share best practices, while still maintaining the distinctiveness of each Trust. This unified leadership will allow us to focus our collective energy on what truly matters: improving outcomes for our patients and communities.
Richard added: “After an immense journey leading this remarkable organisation , I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO to pursue opportunities that allow me to take a slightly steadier pace at work and focus more on family life. It has been the privilege of my career to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate senior team and Board, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, I am confident that the organisation will continue to thrive and make an even greater impact in the years to come. Our strategic direction is unique among trusts which run acute hospitals – we focus on population health and community engagement. I leave knowing that it is the right time, as the opening of MMUH represents a new bright beginning for Sandwell and West Birmingham, and I look forward to supporting from afar.”
Diane commented: “I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role as CEO at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. Whilst it is incredible to be creating this collaboration with the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, I am clear that both Trusts have unique identities, challenges and opportunities. My priority will be to understand the organisation and I look forward to continuing the work to drive meaningful, lasting impact for local people.”