Gold joined the trust as a non-executive director on 1 June 2016 and was appointed chair on January 2018. Having served both three-year terms of office, his tenure was extended twice by the council of governors, the last one being from 1 June 2023.

He said: ‘There is never a perfect time for an organisation to change chair; it is important that the timing of that coincides with stability and clarity in the executive leadership arrangements and we have that in place at the trust for it to be able to keep moving forward.

‘In my time at the trust, there have been many positives to celebrate and to now reflect on. I have great pride in what has been achieved, and am pleased to be overseeing the foundations being put in place for many more successes as the trust and all its people will always have a special place in my heart.'

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Andrew's focus and calm professionalism have seen the organisation, the trust board and the council of governors through the last eight years which have included the trust's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges caused by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

‘He has been instrumental in securing our position on the New Hospital Programme and overseen the ongoing implementation of the Electronic Patient Record programme, both of which are key developments for the trust's long-term future.

‘We will miss his wise counsel and his leadership.'