Rob Aitchison highlights the progress CHFT has made in improving emergency cancer care and helping patients access treatment more quickly. Central to this has been a team-focused approach, with everyone committed to delivering the best possible care and experience for patients.

The trust has a clear plan to bring services together across Huddersfield and Calderdale by 2029, supported by a care cluster model that will make it easier for people to access the right care in the right place.

There is still more to do, and clinical teams are at the heart of driving further improvements across specialities and services. A new same-day emergency care model, developed over the past year, has already made a meaningful difference — reducing hospital admissions and making better use of resources.

Leaders and frontline colleagues continue to work closely together, with a shared focus on engagement and doing the right thing for patients. Despite the challenges, the trust is moving forward with a clear sense of direction and a genuine commitment to improvement.