• Paul Robinson had been on sick leave since the summer but it was hoped he could return to work
  • He “embodied everything that was great and good about our NHS”, said colleagues

Tributes have been paid to a “fiercely passionate” hospital trust chief executive following the announcement of his death.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust said it was “devastated” to announce the passing of Paul Robinson, who died after a year-long battle with illness.

Mr Robinson – who worked in the NHS for more than 30 years – first joined the trust in 2015 as director of finance, and helped it progress from being in “special measures” to a rating of “good” from the Care Quality Commission. 

In 2021, he became acting chief executive, before being permanently appointed to the role in March 2022.

Mr Robinson took planned sick leave in the summer of 2024 and the trust’s medical director David Selwyn took over as acting chief executive.

Mr Selwyn said: “Everyone who knew Paul knew that he embodied everything that was great and good about our NHS and the colleagues he was so proud to work alongside. This was truly shocking and unexpected news to receive about a great colleague who was at the heart of everything good that Sherwood was striving to achieve.

“Paul was fiercely passionate about the work of the NHS and had been making firm plans to return to the role he loved over the coming weeks.

“He will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Colleagues commenting on the trust’s LinkedIn post said Mr Robinson was a “man of great integrity and kindness” who “had time for everyone”.

Source

Trust statement

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