Teaching trust appoints chief executive after lengthy search

Simon Morritt will join the trust from Chesterfield Royal Hospital FT where he has been chief executive since 2016.

Mr Morritt has more than 25 years’ experience in the NHS and has worked in various senior positions across Yorkshire. His first chief executive post was at Doncaster Central Primary Care Trust in October 2000. He has also led NHS Bradford and Aireldale and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The trust’s former chief executive Patrick Crowley spent over 10 years leading the trust and stepped down from the role last May.

The trust has been recruiting for a new chief executive since Mr Crowley left and Mike Proctor, deputy chief executive, took over Mr Crowley’s role for an interim period.

Susan Symington, chair of York Teaching Hospital FT, said: “I am pleased and proud to make this appointment, confident that Simon will provide excellent leadership for our trust.

“Simon joins us at an important time as we work towards building sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. His commitment and experience will help us to strengthen our partnerships across the healthcare community in readiness for the ambitious plans we will deliver together.”

Mr Morritt said: “I am delighted to be joining York Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust and look forward to working with staff across the organisation who are clearly caring and committed to doing the best for patients across North and East Yorkshire.”