The decision followed the conclusion of the group's independent organisational review.

Alan Downey, chair of Humber Health Partnership, said: ‘The review's outcome shows that the challenges reflected in our performance and in the external scrutiny of both trusts are symptoms of deeper underlying issues – including the way the group was originally conceived and established in the first half of the decade, the historic challenges facing both trusts before its formation, and long-standing pressures across the wider health and care system.

‘It has found that these challenges are structural, not simply operational, and that HUTH and NLAG should operate as two separate trusts rather than through the current group structure, while continuing to work together where that benefits patients and services. That is why the boards have accepted its recommendation.'

A group statement added: ‘The boards have agreed the review's recommendation because HUTH and NLAG predominantly serve distinct populations and local health and care systems. Urgent and emergency care flows are largely local, while each trust works with different local authorities, community and mental health providers, ambulance services and place-based partners.

‘The review found that separate arrangements would provide a stronger basis for each organisation to focus on the needs of its population, its local partnerships and its improvement priorities.'

HUTH and NLAG were among the five trusts to be included in the NHS Intensive Recovery programme in March 2026.

The group's leadership was issued with a letter of no confidence in August 2026.

Both trusts sit near the bottom of the latest acute trust league table published today.