Acute trust advertises for new chief executive

The £189m turnover trust has been led by Eric Morton since 2001.

The advert in HSJ said the role will include “the creation of new clinical networks with partner organsations, and the expansion of innovation around services and commercial opportunities”.

The closing date for applications is September 26th.

In a letter to colleagues in July but not released until today Mr Morton wrote: “This has been a hard decision, made over a number of months and influenced by several issues. I have no definite plans at this stage, but I’m likely to look for a new venture and challenge. I’m making my announcement now to make sure that the board here at the Royal has time to plan for a replacement - so the organisation could continue to progress on a stable footing.

“I am proud of having led the Royal - and I have been fortunate, over the years, to work with fantastic staff who have, without a doubt, been the driving force behind the success and achievement that the organisation has enjoyed. 

“I hope that over the next few months I can reach a few more ambitions and see some new projects through to their fruition.  In particular, I hope the main entrance is restored to its former glory before I leave - and that plans for our new eye centre are well underway.

“It has been a privilege to share in this huge team effort, where we have always put the patient first and have striven to give North Derbyshire more than ‘just’ a district general hospital.  It’s not always been easy; and there have been some tough decisions alongside some exciting developments. I have always tried to be open, approachable, straight-talking and honest as chief executive.”