The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has named James Blythe as its new Chief Executive to lead the main hospital in Reading, Berkshire. Announced on February 11, 2026, the appointment follows a national search to find a permanent successor for the trust’s long-term leadership. Mr Blythe takes over the role previously held by Steve McManus, who led the organisation for nearly a decade before stepping down.
Before joining the trust in Reading, Mr Blythe held senior leadership roles at major hospital groups in London and Surrey, most recently serving as the Interim Group CEO for the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier (gesh) group. He will now be responsible for managing healthcare services for around 500,000 local people across the region. His main tasks include improving patient flow to reduce waiting times and overseeing the Building Berkshire Together initiative.
This initiative is part of the government’s wider New Hospital Programme, which is exploring options to rebuild or relocate the current hospital site. The project has faced adjustments recently following a national review of hospital funding and timelines in early 2025. Mr Blythe will be tasked with securing the necessary investment and finalizing plans to ensure residents have modern facilities in the coming years.
The appointment marks the end of an interim leadership period that followed Mr McManus’s departure in 2025. The trust board and local governors oversaw the recruitment process to fill the permanent vacancy. Residents can expect the new chief to focus on local healthcare priorities like meeting regional health targets and ensuring the hospital’s infrastructure is fit for the future.
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