Sumner joined the organisation as chief executive of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in April 2022 and was subsequently appointed to the positions of chief executive of Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust and latterly as chief executive for NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group as the three trusts formed a group.

Sumner said: ‘It has been my absolute honour and privilege to have served as chief executive for each of the three hospital trusts and NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group.

‘I believe that UHL Group has reached the next stage of its development, making it the right time to hand over to the next person to lead the organisation into the future.

‘I know there is an exciting opportunity filled future for UHL Group. My commitment in the coming months is to leave UHL Group in a position to be able to transform our health services that we provide in a way that will deliver the types of improvements and benefits people deserve across all the communities we serve.'

David Flory, chair of University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: ‘James' decision to leave is undoubtedly a significant loss to us here at UHL Group. I've witnessed the incredible amount of work he has put in to address the challenges we faced when he first arrived, whilst working to create a future of new opportunities and possibilities for what we can achieve together.

‘James has worked tirelessly to ensure the priorities and interests of patients were at the core of our organisation. On behalf of UHL Group, I want to thank James for his exceptional leadership and service making a significant contribution over the last four years to our NHS.

‘I want to acknowledge James' contribution to health services here in Liverpool and specifically what he has delivered and achieved during his time as our chief executive - from moving to us safely into the new Royal Liverpool Hospital, delivering clinical service improvements, and seen our CQC ratings improved from inadequate and to good.'