Health trust boss steps down

The boss of the beleaguered East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust has stepped down.

Chief executive Matthew Kershaw – who only took up the role two years ago – has switched to a post with a health charity in London.

The troubled trust, which looks after Ashford’s William Harvey, was partially lifted out of special measures earlier this year, but has been forced to draft in extra emergency doctors as its waiting times remain among the worst in the country.

Mr Kershaw said: “I was appointed chief executive at the trust in 2015, and since then we have made good progress improving patient care in a number of areas – notably coming out of quality special measures in February.

“We have not, however, made as much progress as we would have liked with respect to performance on waiting times in emergency care.

“In this trust, as in many trusts around the country, there remains much to be done in order to deliver this, and I think this is an appropriate time for me to hand over the executive leadership to somebody who will further progress this work.”

Mr Kershaw earned the nickname ‘the Axeman’ at his previous position due to controversial cuts made, but has now taken up a post as a senior fellow with the health think tank, The King’s Fund.

He will be focusing on the development of accountable care systems, sustainability and transformation plans and new forms of provider organisations.

Trust chairman Nikki Cole wished Mr Kershaw success in his new role, saying: “Matthew is an experienced chief executive who has demonstrated commitment and dedication to the NHS.

“I can confirm that the trust board, the governors and all our staff are determined to ensure that we do whatever is necessary to improve our emergency care performance.”

Deputy chief executive Liz Shutler will take over as acting chief executive until a formal appointment is made.

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FM4196498 Ex-East Kent Hospitals trust chief executive Matthew Kershaw