Blackpool Vic chief quits

Gary Doherty, chief executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is to take up a new post in Wales. Mr Doherty, who joined the Blackpool Trust in 2013, has been appointed Chief Executive at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. No date has been set yet for his departure.

Staff were told on Monday in a bulletin from Ian Johnson, chairman of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “During his time at Blackpool Gary has overseen a number of significant achievements including overseeing improvements in our performance in many areas and leading the Trust through significant periods of change.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Gary for all his hard work over the years and wish him every success for the future.”

One member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: “We’re very sorry to hear Gary is going, he was doing a good job in trying circumstances with worse to come in 2016.

“Staff fear for the future and no-one knows if or when someone will be taking over his job, just when the Trust needs leadership. This is the last thing we need.”

Mr Doherty leaves with the Vic and the NHS Trust facing an expected budget deficit of £11m - more than twice last year’s £5m loss.

The Vic has already seen £20m shaved off its budget this year.

In July, the Trust under Mr Doherty’s leadership was named as one of the top healthcare organisations in the country to work for, by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) and NHS Employers.

No announcement has been made yet on Mr Doherty’s successor.

Mr Johnson added: “This is an important time for the Trust and we will continue to develop our plans for the future.

“The Board is confident that we have an extremely experienced and stable Executive Team who will continue to provide strong leadership during this transitional phase.’’