Stafford's County Hospital boss: Now is 'right time' to step down

He said the 'time is right' after ensuring safe services at the former Stafford Hospital and finalising the redevelopment of Royal Stoke.

Mr Hackett joined the then University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust in July 2013 and in November the following year oversaw the formation of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

The new body took over the running of Stafford Hospital at Weston Road, re-naming it County Hospital in the process, as the the troubled Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust was dissolved.

Announcing his decision to leave today Mr Hackett said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chief Executive and am proud of the progress we have made as a new Trust.

"It has been a rewarding but intense experience.

"Having delivered on my promises to provide safe services at County Hospital, finalise the re-development of Royal Stoke University Hospital, transform services across both sites, reduce the financial deficit and develop an ambitious ten-year Vision for the Trust, I feel that the time is now right for me to hand on the baton to someone new.

"I would like to thank staff, partners and the public for their support over the years and wish them the very best for the future."

John MacDonald, Chairman of University Hospitals of North Midlands, added: "On behalf of the Trust Board and all colleagues, I would like to thank Mark for his unparalleled drive, energy and commitment. He has been a staunch advocate for the people of Stoke and Staffordshire and leaves behind a strong legacy of safe, effective services.

"Mark has led the Trust through a critical period of the Trust's development with the completion of the building of the new hospital, the acquisition of Stafford Hospital, improved our finances and strengthened the leadership of the Staffordshire health and social care system.

"As a Board we recognise that few would have taken on this challenge, never mind delivered so much.

"He leaves the Trust with a strong vision and one which we are keen to progress.

"Mark will be a hard act to follow and we wish him every success in the future."

Mr Robert Courteney-Harris, Medical Director with over 20 years of experience at the Trust, has agreed to be Acting Chief Executive whilst the Trust begins its search for a new Chief Executive to take it through the next stage of its development.

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