Trust CEO to formally step down for think tank role

Toby Lewis was chief executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust from 2013 until an extended period of sick leave which started in May last year.

He has now been appointed to a role at The King’s Fund.

Richard Beeken, the chief executive for Walsall Healthcare Trust, was seconded to SWBH as interim chief executive in January.

Mr Lewis led the trust through its major project to build a new acute hospital, which is due to open in 2022 after severe delays related to the collapse of Carillion.

During a trust board meeting today, chair Sir David Nicholson said Mr Lewis had originally planned to return after his leave, but has since decided take up a research and health policy role at the London-based think tank.

He said Mr Beeken will remain as interim CEO and a permanent chief will be appointed “in due course”.

Last year, it was reported that concerns were raised to the CQC about Mr Lewis prior to his period of leave. The seriousness and legitimacy of those concerns was unknown, and neither the trust, nor Mr Lewis, would comment on them.