Express & Star

Dudley chief nurse leaves crisis-hit NHS trust

The chief nurse at Dudley’s crisis-hit NHS trust left her post yesterday, it can be revealed.

Published
Siobhan Jordan. Picture: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

But hospital bosses have dismissed claims that Siobhan Jordan’s departure is in connection with a whistleblowing investigation.

It is said Ms Jordan, who joined the much-criticised trust in April 2017, is leaving to seek new challenges closer to home and to be near her family.

She said: “I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all the staff and volunteers that I have worked closely with during my time at Dudley and I wish everyone all the very best in the future.”

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Diane Wake said: “On behalf of the trust, I would like to extend my very best wishes to Siobhan and thank her for her energy and commitment to improving the care delivered to our patients.

“Throughout her time at the trust, Siobhan has achieved a number of significant milestones to support better outcomes for our patients and well as actively engaging with staff, patients and their families.”

The Dudley trust are currently going through the process of sourcing an interim and are expecting to advertise for the permanent position in the coming weeks.

In July the Express & Star revealed that a damning letter, signed by 42 workers and addressed to trust chairman Jenni Ord, raised concerns about the ‘professional conduct of the senior executives of the trust board’.

It also highlighted fears surrounding poor clinical engagement, the deteriorating clinical and financial performance of the trust, and adverse effects on patient safety and staff well-being.

The letter, seen by the Express & Star, stated: “We, the undersigned, are writing to raise concerns about the senior management team at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

“Following the appointment of Diane Wake as CEO, there were a number of resignations from the executive board, some at very short notice, which affected the continuity and experience of the team. Subsequently, there has been a significant deterioration in leadership style.”

The letter called for the non-executive directors of the trust to take action.

At the time, Ms Ord said the concerns were being fully investigated by NHS Improvement.

A trust spokesman confirmed Ms Jordan’s departure is “not connected to the whistleblowing letter”.