Prof Wood has been Chief Executive since February 2023 and Chief Medical Officer since 2020, helping to lead the Trust through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
As the NHS navigates some significant changes, including the launch of the 10 Year Plan and Provider Collaboratives, Prof Wood has decided that the time is right to hand over to a new leader.
During Prof Wood’s time at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, he led the response to the COVID pandemic for the Trust and the roll out of vaccination programmes across West Yorkshire, and has been instrumental in developing the plans for the Innovation Village at Leeds General Infirmary. He has spearheaded the work with the Virginia Mason Institute to develop the Leeds Improvement Method, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
Prof Wood’s impact and dedication has been felt even more widely across the health and care system, particularly through his passion for using research and innovation as a way of reducing health inequalities. This includes his roles as Chair of the Leeds Academic Health Partnership, the North-East and Yorkshire Genomics Medicine Board, Board member for the National Genomics Board, Co-Chair of the West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance and board member of the Northern Health Science Alliance.
Prof Wood will be working over the next five months with incoming Trust Chair Antony Kildare to maintain stability across the organisation during this time of change across the NHS. Recruitment for Prof Wood’s successor will begin shortly.
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals said: “It has been a huge privilege to work in the NHS, starting my career as a doctor over 30 years ago.
“It feels this is the right moment to make a change and allow a new Chief Executive the opportunity to steer this wonderful organisation, as the NHS embarks on delivering the new 10 Year Plan and creating Provider Collaboratives.
“One thing has remained consistent throughout my time in the NHS – the unwavering commitment from staff to do their very best for our patients.
“I have been lucky enough to see first-hand the care, compassion and dedication my colleagues at Leeds Teaching Hospitals bring to their work every single day. It has been an honour to lead them and to work alongside them and I am confident that the Trust has a bright future.”
Dame Linda Pollard, Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “I want to thank Phil for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the Trust, not only in his role as Chief Executive but also as Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Clinical Director and Consultant Immunologist.
“During his 30-year career, Phil has made a huge difference to patients and colleagues. His commitment to continuous improvement and addressing health inequalities will stand the test of time, helping to deliver the healthcare of the future for our city and beyond. I wish him very well for his retirement when it comes.”