The chief executive of Swindon’s hospital is leaving his role for pastures new after working in the town for 18 years.

Kevin McNamara will depart his post of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive after four years in the role.

He spent 14 years in different leadership positions before the top job which saw him in charge during the Covid pandemic.

Kevin also helped bring radiotherapy to Swindon and during his leadership the Great Western Hospital has gained an Urgent Treatment Centre.

“It’s with a sense of sadness I will be leaving because of the incredible people that work, not just in the Trust, but right across health and social care in Swindon making a huge difference to people’s lives,” he said.

“My children were born here and so it has always felt like a special place for me and my family.

Trust Chair, Liam Coleman, said: “I would like to thank Kevin for his excellent leadership, not least through the pandemic.

“His person-centred approach has transformed the culture of our organisation into a place where people are at the heart of our decisions, and everyone has a voice.”

The 42-year-old will join Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as Chief Executive and a recruitment process will begin in the coming weeks for a new chief executive.