The chief executive of a foundation trust in the South West has resigned. Dorset County Hospital foundation trust said Jan Bergman had “decided to retire early to pursue a career outside the NHS”.

The announcement came after the trust recorded a £1.8m deficit. The foundation blamed this on pay, supplies and drugs costs mainly due to higher than expected activity. It is predicting a £100,000 surplus for 2009-10 after a significant cost improvement programme.

Monitor’s consolidated accounts last month noted the trust’s deficit. The regulator said it recognised that the trust “faces a very challenging financial position in 2009-10”. Monitor said the board had confirmed that it had put measures in place to correct this.

Dorset chair Robin SeQueira said in a statement: “Since joining us in March 2006, Jan has played a pivotal role in leading the trust to foundation status. In addition he has presided over the rise in the hospital’s excellent reputation and clinical performance. He has also driven the quality agenda and many of the improvements he has made will serve as a lasting legacy of his significant contribution to the development of the trust.”

Nursing director Alison Tong is acting chief executive while a permanent replacement is appointed.

Topics