Robinson, who had worked in the NHS for more than 30 years, joined Sherwood Forest Hospitals in May 2015 as director of finance. In 2021, he took over the chief executive role initially in an acting capacity, before being permanently appointed to the role in March 2022.

The trust, which runs King's Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community hospitals, said he was a significant force behind helping Sherwood Forest Hospitals exit special measures and the ‘enormous progress' made since.

Robinson took planned sick leave in the summer of 2024 and the trust's medical director David Selwyn took over as acting chief executive.

Selwyn, said: 'Everyone who knew Paul knew that he embodied everything that was great and good about our NHS and the colleagues he was so proud to work alongside. This was truly shocking and unexpected news to receive about a great colleague who was at the heart of everything good that Sherwood was striving to achieve.

'Paul was fiercely passionate about the work of the NHS and had been making firm plans to return to the role he loved over the coming weeks.

'He will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.'

Robinson also spent time at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, NHS Lincolnshire, Derbyshire County PCT, North Eastern Derbyshire PCT, Community Health Care Services (North Derbyshire) NHS Trust, and Weston Park Hospital.

Former colleagues have been paying tribute to Robinson on LinkedIn, one said he has made a ‘huge contribution to the NHS in Nottinghamshire and across the East Midlands'.

Others described him as a ‘genuine passionate man', calling him an ‘outstanding professional' and a ‘wise and honourable leader', who will be ‘missed by many'.

Vision West Nottinghamshire College said: ‘Paul was pivotal in developing the brilliant partnership between the college and Sherwood Forest Hospitals, which has enhanced the links between education and careers in the health service.

‘We will remember Paul as a well-loved and passionate leader within our communities.'