During his tenure, Parker has led the trust through a number of complex and challenging periods, including the Covid pandemic, and oversaw significant developments to improve services and facilities for local patients and communities.

Mark Bailey, chair of the Board at DBTH, said: ‘Richard has dedicated his career to the NHS and has played a significant role in the development of services at DBTH.

‘On behalf of the trust, I would like to thank him for his leadership and long service, and we all send him our very best wishes for the future and wish him the very best of health and happiness in retirement.'

Zara Jones, deputy chief executive, will continue to act up, and the trust will confirm next steps regarding the chief executive role in the near future.