Howell is a registered nurse, has a strong track record in leading and transforming mental health services, having worked in leadership positions across Cheshire and Merseyside and NHS Wales. She has led and delivered change in national policy for mental health and community services and worked with NHS England as national chief executive advisor on community services.

She told staff: ‘It has been a privilege to be the CEO of GMMH and I believe it is now time for someone else to take the organisation forward in its ambition to be an excellent provider of healthcare, a great place to work and build further its internationally established reputation as a leader in the field of research and innovation.

‘After over 46 years of national, regional and local health and care service, it is time for me to take a break and focus on my loved ones and my life outside of the NHS. Like very many people working across the public sector, my loved ones and indeed myself have had to come a close second for too long. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds.'

GMMH chair, Tony Warne, said: ‘Karen has been a transformational leader, a wonderful colleague and it's been a real privilege to work alongside her on our improvement journey - she has helped colleagues from across GMMH to regain their pride, become empowered and fulfil our shared ambition to make a difference for our service users, their carers and families, and the wider communities we work in.'

Acting chief executive of NHS Greater Manchester, Professor Colin Scales, added: ‘Karen has had an exceptional career and she has brought a level of energy, determination and passion to the CEO role at GMMH that sets her apart from most other leaders. Karen will be an enormous loss to the NHS leadership community, to Greater Manchester and to GMMH.'