McManus, who has been chief executive of the trust since 2017, began his career as a student nurse at The Nightingale School of Nursing in 1987.

He has previously held leadership roles at University Hospital Southampton, Imperial College Healthcare and Basildon & Thurrock University Teaching Hospital.

McManus said: ‘I'll be leaving with a very heavy heart – I've worked with a top-class leadership team and truly remarkable staff and volunteers. The culture and values of our Trust are amongst the best in the country – you've only got to look at successive staff survey results to see that.

‘I'm unbelievably proud of what has been achieved and the reputation we've established as an ambitious, diverse, inclusive and compassionate organisation. We actively embrace innovation and continuous improvement because we know the benefits it brings to our patients and staff.'

Trust chair, Oke Eleazu, said: ‘Steve has four decades of outstanding service to the NHS and his huge experience, expertise and dedication has been critical to the success of this Trust. He is widely respected across the NHS, and beyond, as a great leader, innovator and thoroughly decent man. He embodies compassion and commitment and empowers his staff to follow suit. He is a supreme advocate for continuous improvement, both in the care of patients and the health, wellbeing and development of our staff.

‘The board has a huge responsibility to ensure Steve's successor continues to drive forward the trust's agenda as we work to implement the Government's ambitious 10-Year Plan. Steve's skilled leadership means we're already making real inroads in the key areas of health prevention, care closer to home and digital advances.'