East Kent Hospitals Chairman

Niall Dickson, CBE, is leaving the Trust at the end of this month, having chaired East Kent Hospitals Trust since April 2021.

Niall has decided not to seek a second term and is standing down for personal and health reasons.

Niall said: “This is an organisation filled with dedicated and committed staff who give so much day in day out and I am confident that with the right support the Trust will continue its improvement journey.

“I am pleased that we have made progress on key areas during my tenure, including significant improvements in staffing, in our maternity care, in listening to and involving patients and by taking steps to create a more open culture.

“The challenges laid out by Dr Kirkup’s report last year are significant and, as we have always said, apply not just to maternity but to the organisation as a whole.  There are also great demands on our services.

“This improvement work will take at least another three or four years and will require every effort from the whole Board, the Governors and every member of staff at the Trust, as well as focussed support from the NHS centrally, including the capital funding it needs to provide safe, effective and sustainable services to the people of East Kent.

“It will also require dedicated teamwork from all health and care staff and their organisations across East Kent. I have been privileged to chair our Health and Care Partnership and I must pay tribute to everyone involved in that endeavour, which is starting to make a real difference.”

Vice-chair Stewart Baird is stepping into the Chair role until a permanent successor is appointed.