Thank you Sir Richard Ibbotson

The man who has led Torbay Hospital and local health services through some of their most challenging and exciting times is standing down from his pivotal role.

A surprise Garden Party was held in the Rose Garden at Torbay to say thank you to Sir Richard Ibbotson, who is retiring as chairman of the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust after 10 years at the helm.

Sir Richard has overseen the creation of the pioneering Trust which was the first ever to integrate acute, community and adult social care together in England and played a vital role in the creation and delivery of the care model and strategy.

He was also there to steady the ship during the hospital's battle with Covid and all that it brought with it.

He said: “Throughout my ten years with Torbay and South Devon, I have been continuously impressed by the dedication of our people. I have been privileged to work with an equally dedicated board. My sincere thanks to all my colleagues for making it such a pleasure to be your Chair.

"I would like to wish my board colleagues and all the dedicated and caring staff at Torbay and South Devon, my very best wishes for the future, as you build a brighter future for our local communities.”

Trust Chief Executive Liz Davenport said: “On behalf of the board and all our staff I would like to thank Richard for his exemplary leadership, deep commitment to health and care services and his many years of dedicated service.

“His courage in leading the formation of our integrated care organisation and creating the conditions which has supported this to flourish, leading to national and international recognition, means he leaves us with a strong and enduring legacy. He will be greatly missed and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Sir Richard's CV is remarkable.

He was appointed the trust’s chair in June 2014 after retiring from a career in the Royal Navy. This included periods in command of Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, Commander British Forces Falkland Islands and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet (effectively Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines).

As well as being knighted for his services, Sir Richard is a Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath and holds the Distinguished Service Cross and the NATO meritorious service medal. He is also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Devon.