Trust chief to retire after four decades in NHS

Angie Smithson has led the trust for almost three years and has worked in the NHS for four decades. 

Hal Spencer, the trust’s medical director, has been appointed interim chief executive while recruitment for a new substantive replacement for Ms Smithson begins later in the year.

Ms Smithson started her NHS career in nursing and moved into management, serving in board director roles for the last 14 years.

She said of her departure: “I can’t say enough about how incredibly proud I am of all our colleagues who make the NHS and Chesterfield Royal Hospital the place it is today.

“We are now setting course for the future with Joined Up Care Derbyshire and the establishment of the integrated care boards. This provides a clear vision of the further ongoing improvements we want to make for our patients.”

She continued: “Seeing that through is a long-term job and as my plan was to retire at this age, now feels like the right time to leave on a high. I will stay in position to provide a suitable handover and provide stability to the organisation that I am hugely proud of and I will be handing over to Dr Hal Spencer as the interim chief executive from 1 April.”

Helen Phillips, trust chair, added: “We wish Angie all the very best for the future. Her leadership has been greatly appreciated during what has been an unprecedented period of challenge compounded by the effects of the pandemic.”