Our CEO, Chris Oliver, is to leave Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and join Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust as their new Chief Executive Officer later in 2026.
Serving as LSCFT CEO since 2022, Chris has held multiple leadership roles within the NHS including Chief Operating Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Director of Operations at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
During his time with LSCFT, he has overseen significant improvements in quality and safety, supported more people to receive care closer to home, and led the Trust to an overall CQC rating of ‘Good’ which is a testament to the dedication of colleagues across LSCFT.
Chris has made a lasting impact across our services and communities, providing leadership, commitment to inclusive and compassionate care, and strengthening a positive culture.
Chris said:
"Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust has been a huge part of my life, and I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved together over the last six years.
"I’m incredibly grateful to everyone I’ve worked alongside at LSCFT for their trust, their support, and our shared determination to make a difference for the people and communities we serve.
"I will always value that time and those relationships, both within the Trust and across the wider system."
David Fillingham, Trust Chair said:
"Chris has been an exceptional CEO and leader for Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.
"We have seen significant improvement across many areas of patient care, performance and culture under his leadership.
"He has also built a strong and established executive team who will continue to do the very best for the Trust.
"Personally, Chris has been a fantastic colleague and superb CEO to work alongside, and I wish him every success for his future.
"Chris will be very much missed when he leaves us later this year and will leave a great legacy behind."
Chris added:
“It has been a real honour to lead mental health, learning disability, autism and community services across Lancashire and South Cumbria over the past six years.
"During that time, we have delivered sustained improvements in quality and safety, made demonstrable reductions in harm, and supported more people to receive care closer to home.
"A milestone moment for me was seeing colleagues’ efforts recognised by our CQC overall Trust rating of ‘Good’.
"I would like to thank colleagues across the Trust for making my time here so rewarding, and for the outstanding care they provide each day."
Everyone at LSCFT congratulates Chris on his appointment and wishes him every success in his new role.
