Third Barts board member in a month resigns

Sir Stephen O’Brien will leave the trust at the end of the month. He has been in the role for three years and previously chaired the Barts and the London Trust.

Less than a month ago chief executive Peter Morris and chief nurse Kay Riley announced their resignations.

Mr Morris will stay in position until a replacement is found.

The trust is awaiting the publication of two Care Quality Commission reports, which are expected to criticise the trust’s culture towards whistleblowers.

• Barts’ deficit doubles to £93m
• Chief executive of £1bn-turnover trust resigns

HSJ reported last month that Barts is expecting a £93m deficit by the end of the financial year.

This is more than double the £44m deficit it expected at the start of 2014-15.

Sir Stephen said: “I am honoured to have been a part of Barts Health. I am proud to have worked closely with so many inspirational and passionate people who are deeply committed to tackling the healthcare needs of east London and changing lives for the better. I am sure that Barts Health will continue the collaborative approach to providing the best possible care for our patients, not only the current population but for future generations.”

Alwen Williams, director of delivery and development at the NHS Trust Development Authority, said:  “Sir Stephen has held leadership roles in the local NHS since 2005 and we would like to thank him for the unwavering commitment he has shown to health services in east London throughout this time. We will now work with the trust to appoint another strong leader as Sir Stephen’s successor.”