Three NHS foundation trusts across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire have strengthened their partnership following the appointment of Dr Richard Jenkins as Interim Chief Executive of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The appointment, agreed by the Boards of Directors of DBTH, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, represents a significant step in expanding collaboration between the organisations while maintaining their independence.
Dr Richard Jenkins will take up the interim role for an initial period of up to 12 months from 17 August 2026, while continuing in his current position as Joint Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham trusts.
The move builds on the established shared Chief Executive model between Barnsley and Rotherham, which has been in place since 2020. Leaders believe the arrangement will create new opportunities to share expertise, support workforce development and strengthen healthcare services across the region.
The appointment also supports DBTH as it continues to deliver its improvement programme and ambitions outlined within its Three-Year Plan.
Despite the closer working relationship, patients will see no changes to how they access NHS services. All three organisations will remain independent NHS foundation trusts, each retaining its own Board of Directors, Executive Team and statutory responsibilities. Decisions regarding local healthcare services will continue to be made locally.
A former consultant physician specialising in diabetes and endocrinology, Dr Richard Jenkins has led Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2017 and has overseen the successful shared leadership arrangement with The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust for the past six years.
During that time, the two organisations have expanded clinical collaboration, shared specialist expertise and developed new opportunities for colleagues while preserving local accountability.
Speaking about the appointment, Dr Jenkins said:
“I’m proud to continue leading Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, and pleased to take additional responsibilities at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and creating new opportunities for our three organisations to learn from one another where that benefits patients and colleagues.
“Healthcare is, above all, about people. The dedication, compassion and expertise of colleagues make the biggest difference to patients every day, and I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues across DBTH, getting to know our communities and supporting the excellent work already underway.
“This appointment also has real personal significance for me. I began my career as a resident doctor at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital, so returning to the Trust in this role feels like coming full circle.”
Until Dr Jenkins takes up the post in August, Zara Jones will continue as Acting Chief Executive, providing leadership continuity during the transition period. She will then return to her substantive position as Deputy Chief Executive before moving on to become Chief Executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust in October.
The arrangement marks another example of NHS organisations working more closely together to improve services, strengthen leadership and improve outcomes for patients across the region.
Image credit: iStock
