Ron Calvert to run healthcare provider in Australia

Mr Calvert, who joined Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals in September 2011, has accepted the post of chief executive at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, which is set to run a new AU$1.76bn 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital, and runs two existing hospitals and the city’s mental and community health services.

Foundation trust chair Chris Scholey said: “I am naturally very disappointed that Ron has decided to leave and, on behalf of all the Board, would like to thank him for his contribution since joining us last September. 

“In that time, we have put a very strong executive team together and I am confident they will enable us to achieve our ambitions as a leading foundation trust with a commitment to delivering the very best for its patients, staff and partner organisations. On a personal note, I have very much enjoyed working with Ron and wish him well.  We now begin the task of recruiting his successor.”

Speaking about his decision, Mr Calvert said: “When I joined the trust I fully expected to be here for the foreseeable future but sometimes an opportunity comes along that you cannot turn down because of the benefits for your family as well as professionally.  As a father of two, Australia offers a quality of life and an economy that the UK can’t match right now.

“I am naturally excited about the new role and the prospect of managing an organisation that spans all sectors of healthcare, but will be sorry to leave Doncaster and Bassetlaw.  The staff there are a great team who are determined to continuously improve quality of care and I have very much enjoyed working with them.”

Mr Calvert’s will leave the trust at a mutually acceptable time in the next six months.