Bolton Foundation Trust chief to step down

The trust today published an email that Ms Doherty had sent to staff, saying she had agreed to remain in post until January to allow the search for her replacement to begin.

The email stated: “I have been immensely proud to lead this organisation, even more so in the last 12 months made easier with the support from all quarters but this has not been without personal impact.”

Earlier this year Bolton was placed in significant breach of its terms of authorisation by regulator Monitor for failings in board governance and poor performance on waiting targets.

Then, in August, the regulator moved to install a new chairman at the foundation trust after a major hole was uncovered in its finances.

Ms Doherty’s email continued: “I have been considering retiring early for some time and with the trust now on track operationally with 18 weeks and A&E, a positive [Care Quality Commission] report in August and by December we will have a recovery plan in place for the financial recovery of the trust, it is the right time to step down.”