THE beleaguered chief executive of Wirral Hospital Trust resigned today.
Len Richards' management of hospital services had been subjected to a barrage of recent criticism from MPs, consultants and staff.
Last night, a public meeting heard further attacks on his leadership and it emerged industrial action would be considered unless changes were made.
A statement from Trust chairman Michael Carr said a combination of "recent events" and an invitation from NHS Northwest for Mr Richards to take up a leading role within its organistation led to his decision.
The statement said: "While it is with regret that we will be losing such an excellent chief executive, it is only fitting that the NHS continues to benefit from not only his leadership, but also his unequivocal commitment to improving the care delivered by the NHS.
"The departure of the chief executive is always a challenging time for any Trust...
"I am sure that everyone will see that it is important that we work together as an organisation to continue to provide and develop our services over the coming months, while the process to appoint a suitable replacement takes its course."
Mr Carr continued: "These are anyway very challenging times, but I am confident that, by working together as an organisation and with our partners, we will continue to provide the excellent patient care that we are all committed to."
Gary Doherty, Mr Richard's deputy and Trust chief operating officer, has agreed to undertake the role of acting chief executive.
Earlier this month senior doctors at Wirral Hospital Trust, which runs Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, passed a vote of no-confidence in Mr Richards.
The decision was reached after a ballot and followed a series of controversial moves by the Trust including changing Clatterbridge into a day-case centre only and proposed plans for cardio-vascular surgery to be merged with the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Wirral South MP Alison McGovern said: “I wish Len Richards the best for his future.
“The absolute priority for patients and staff in Wirral now has to be to put in place an immediate action plan to tackle staff morale and underlying problems.
"I will be listening to my constituents, staff and representatives.”
Mr Richards, who was appointed five years ago, will leave on August 22, to head the Quality, Innovative, Productivity and Prevention Programme, which has the aim of ensuring that "each pound spent is used to bring maximum benefit and quality of care to patients."
THE beleaguered chief executive of Wirral Hospital Trust resigned today.
Len Richards' management of hospital services had been subjected to a barrage of recent criticism from MPs, consultants and staff.
Last night, a public meeting heard further attacks on his leadership and it emerged industrial action would be considered unless changes were made.
A statement from Trust chairman Michael Carr said a combination of "recent events" and an invitation from NHS Northwest for Mr Richards to take up a leading role within its organistation led to his decision.
The statement said: "While it is with regret that we will be losing such an excellent chief executive, it is only fitting that the NHS continues to benefit from not only his leadership, but also his unequivocal commitment to improving the care delivered by the NHS.
"The departure of the chief executive is always a challenging time for any Trust...
"I am sure that everyone will see that it is important that we work together as an organisation to continue to provide and develop our services over the coming months, while the process to appoint a suitable replacement takes its course."
Mr Carr continued: "These are anyway very challenging times, but I am confident that, by working together as an organisation and with our partners, we will continue to provide the excellent patient care that we are all committed to."
Gary Doherty, Mr Richard's deputy and Trust chief operating officer, has agreed to undertake the role of acting chief executive.
Earlier this month senior doctors at Wirral Hospital Trust, which runs Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, passed a vote of no-confidence in Mr Richards.
The decision was reached after a ballot and followed a series of controversial moves by the Trust including changing Clatterbridge into a day-case centre only and proposed plans for cardio-vascular surgery to be merged with the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Wirral South MP Alison McGovern said: “I wish Len Richards the best for his future.
“The absolute priority for patients and staff in Wirral now has to be to put in place an immediate action plan to tackle staff morale and underlying problems.
"I will be listening to my constituents, staff and representatives.”
Mr Richards, who was appointed five years ago, will leave on August 22, to head the Quality, Innovative, Productivity and Prevention Programme, which has the aim of ensuring that "each pound spent is used to bring maximum benefit and quality of care to patients."
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