Theatre assistants have staged 40 days of strike action since December 2025 claiming they carry out clinical duties that should be paid at a higher grade.

The union said Brown, who took over from Professor Phil Wood in September 2025, had resolved a similar dispute in his previous role as chief executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

UNISON Leeds Teaching Hospitals branch chair John Ingleson said: ‘Theatre assistants are an incredibly skilled, compassionate and dedicated group of workers.

‘It's astonishing they've had to sacrifice so much simply to be treated the same as colleagues in Wakefield, Calderdale and Airedale.

‘This needs resolving now.'

A Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson said: ‘We remain committed to ensuring that every member of staff feels valued, respected and able to raise concerns in a supportive environment. We will continue to work closely with all colleagues in theatres and listen and respond constructively to staff side representatives.'