Nicola Lees, chief executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, has announced that she will be retiring from her position at the Care Trust for family reasons.

She will step down from her role at the end of April 2018.

Nicola, who has been with the Trust for nine years, joining as director of operations and nursing before becoming chief executive, has made the difficult decision due to family illness.

Nicola Lees said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have made this very difficult decision for family reasons.  It has been a privilege to work with such committed staff across all areas of the Trust.  I know I will be leaving an experienced and capable Board, a talented workforce full of innovative ideas and an organisation that can respond positively to change.  I have no doubt that this will continue under strong leadership at every level.”

Trust chair Mike Smith, said: “I have had the privilege of working with Nicola for over nine years at the Trust and throughout this time, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the organisation, has led significant service transformation both locally and across West Yorkshire, and consistently championed the values and behaviours enshrined within the NHS.

“She has been a role model for many staff, particularly those that she has mentored and supported over the years, and she will be greatly missed.  I know this has been a difficult decision for Nicola but we fully understand why she has made this choice.”

The search for Nicola Lees’ successor is now underway to appoint a new chief executive following Nicola’s retirement.