Labour councillor responsible for public health pays tribute to retiring Doncaster NHS chief executive
Richard Parker OBE has been chief executive for nearly nine years.
The Labour councillor overseeing public health in Doncaster has paid tribute to the retiring head of a local NHS Trust.
Councillor James Church, whose cabinet portfolio at the City of Doncaster Council covers health services, shared a tribute to the retiring chief executive of the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH), Richard Parker OBE.
He said: “On behalf of the Health and Wellbeing Board, I would like to offer our thanks and appreciation to Richard Parker as he retires.
“As a member of Doncaster’s Health and Wellbeing Board, for many years, Richard has demonstrated commitment to working with partners to improve the health and wellbeing of Doncaster residents.
“Richard’s insight and experience has made a lasting impact, helping to shape the Board’s priorities and strengthen collaborative working across partners.
“As Richard begins his retirement, we extend our thanks for his service and wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
DBTH announced Mr Parker’s retirement on June 9, 2026, after nearly nine years in post, with Mark Bailey, chair of the DBTH Board, thanking him for his “leadership and long service”.
His retirement comes after a difficult few months for the Trust, amid an investigation into a “toxic” culture and the recent sacking of a senior doctor who raised related concerns in 2024.
In May 2026, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed it had instructed DBTH to make “significant improvements” at the accident and emergency department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), the city’s main hospital.
Doncaster Council did not comment on the recent troubles when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Mr Parker joined DBTH in 2013 as director of nursing, midwifery and quality, before being appointed chief executive in January 2017.
He had held a variety of senior leadership positions in NHS Trusts across the North of England.
Mr Bailey said: “Richard has dedicated his career to the NHS and has played a significant role in the development of services at DBTH.
“On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank him for his leadership and long service, and we all send him our very best wishes for the future and wish him the very best of health and happiness in retirement.”
Deputy chief executive Zara Jones will continue to act up, the Trust said, with the organisation confirming more details about the chief executive role in the future.