"Champion of Better Patient Care" Steps Down from Trust Chairman Role

06-Oct-2011

The Trust is announcing today that its Chairman, George Jenkins OBE, has decided to step down from his role.

George Jenkins has led the Trust from its establishment through a very complex merger and challenging series of service changes. These changes have made an immense improvement to the quality of patient care with reduced mortality and infection rates, and improved maternity services.

George feels that with the next phase in the Trust's development towards Foundation Status now to get under way and the final resolution of long standing financial issues, it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new Chairman.  

John Ballard, our experienced deputy Chairman, will be acting Chairman until a permanent Chairman is appointed.

Dr Chris Streather, Chief Executive said:

"The innovative changes made during  George’s time in charge have led to enormous benefits for our patients. He has been a champion of better patient care. The reduction in mortality rates means there are hundreds more people alive today as a result of his leadership."

"We won't have George to ensure that we're doing the right things in future but we now move to a new phase in our transition  and over the next few years we'll be building on the solid base that George was instrumental in setting up" 

George Jenkins OBE said:
 
"I am immensely proud of the progress that SLHT has made, up against difficult odds, our 6,000 staff have worked wonders to make our hospitals safer for patients. Last year we made higher savings than any other trust in London but we now have to spend the next few years getting to a position of financial balance."

"I feel that it is better to stand aside at this point and begin this next phase with a new Chairman who can take the trust to FT status which I'm confident it can."