21.02.18
Sir Andrew Cash to retire in July after four decades in NHS
One of the longest serving NHS trust chief executives Sir Andrew Cash has this week announced that he will retire this summer.
After four decades working in the health service and 16 years as head of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, Cash will step down from the role in July this year.
He has said, however that he will still have a significant role in in Yorkshire and Bassetlaw as chief executive system leader for the Health and Care Working Together Partnership integrated care system.
Cash has enjoyed a distinctive career, having overseen one of the biggest mergers of NHS acute trusts in 2001, bringing five organisations together to form the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
He also led the integration of community health services with Sheffield’s adult acute services in 2011.
“Deciding to retire was tough because of the loyalty I feel to the amazing people who work and volunteer in the trust’s hospitals and community services,” Cash said.
“Every day I see the unstinting commitment shown by each and every member of the Trust to deliver the best possible service to our patients.
“It has been a privilege to be the chief executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the past 16 years and I will always treasure the long-lasting friendships and relationships developed during my time at the trust, as well as the accomplishments and challenges experienced during my career.”
The outgoing CEO also explained that announcing his retirement now will give the trust’s board time to find a replacement to take over from July this year.
Tony Pedder, chairman of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT added that the trust had been “incredibly fortunate” to have had Cash as a leader.
“He has a fundamental belief that clinicians should be at the heart of the organisation’s decision making and this has stood us in good stead to withstand the challenges but more importantly take opportunities to continually develop patient care, pioneer research and be at the forefront of innovation,” he explained.
Chief executive of NHS England Simon Stevens, also praised Cash, saying: “Andrew has made an enormous contribution to the NHS over many years of public service, both regionally and nationally.
“As he passes on the leadership baton in Sheffield it is heartening that one of our most experienced and successful hospital chief executives is now stepping up to lead the next chapter of the NHS evolution through the creation of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System.”