Executive managing director of mental health, learning disabilities and autism services, Debbie Richards is leaving Oxford Health to become the chief executive of an NHS trust in her home county of Cornwall.

Debbie, who has been with OHFT for two years, will join Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in October. She said:

“I have absolutely loved my job at Oxford Health and had no intention of leaving. However, when this opportunity in Cornwall came up, it was one I simply could not ignore.

“Leading a community and mental health trust is my ambition and passion, and this exciting opportunity allows me to return to my roots and steer a trust that is driven to provide the very best care and services in the county of my birth.”

Reflecting on her time with Oxford Health since her arrival in July 2019, Debbie thanked colleagues throughout the organisation – from board to ward.

She said:

“We have improved, embraced and adapted to continual challenges and change, especially throughout the pandemic. Our staff have been legendary in so many ways. I have been, and continue to be, inspired and humbled in equal measure by their response to COVID.

“I am particularly proud that we delivered on Saffron House, our wonderful new state-of-the-art mental health hub in south Buckinghamshire. I am proud too of seeing our Tier 4 CAMHS and Forensic provider collaboratives go live. I am also delighted to have established the Staff Gender Equality Network.”

Debbie has more than 22 years’ senior level experience in clinical service delivery, commissioning and transformation across health and social care. Before joining OHFT she was director of commissioning and delivery at Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Commenting on her departure, Chief Executive Dr Nick Broughton said:

“On a personal level, I am absolutely delighted for Debbie to have secured her dream job in her home county. However, on behalf of the executive team, the Board, and all who have worked with her, it is a great sadness to be losing such a dynamic member of the leadership team.

“Her tenacity and drive have undoubtedly improved the care, quality and breadth of services we deliver across the whole organisation. We will miss her hugely.”

Work to appoint a successor will get commence shortly.