Tameside chief executive resigns

The news comes on the day that the Guardian carried a front page story on two damning reviews of care at the trust.

However, the foundation trust’s spokeswoman said chief executive Christine Green had tendered her resignation last week, while medical director Tariq Mahmood had tendered his three months ago.

In a statement issued by the trust, Ms Green said: “You will have all read the newspapers and heard the media reports and speculation about my departure.  The facts of the matter are that the Board and I agreed my resignation on 27th June as it had become clear that my position as Chief Executive was no longer helpful to the organisation.

“I believe that most who know me know that I care passionately about this hospital, its staff and the people we serve.  However it became clear to me that it was important for me to hand over the [reins].”

Trust chair Paul Connellan said: “The Board would like to thank Christine for her fourteen years’ service at the Trust. During that time the hospital has undergone major changes and Christine’s commitment has been unwavering 365 days a year. 

“At this time Christine and the Board felt it would be appropriate for her to let someone else lead the Trust as it faces the future challenges that exists across the whole of the NHS. We have appreciated her direct approach to the issue and wish her every success in the future.”

A statement issued this afternoon by foundation trust regulator monitor said that Tameside had been “under close scrutiny within Monitor’s regulatory regime for more than two years, and is currently in breach of its licence on financial and governance grounds”.

It added: “We have used our powers to secure legal undertakings that the trust will deliver cost savings to eradicate its deficit, and require the trust to develop an adequate long-term strategic plan. If we receive evidence of any other breaches of the licence we will not hesitate to take further regulatory action on behalf of patients.

“When we were made aware of the findings of the internal reports, we requested the CQC to undertake a review of the quality of care at the trust.  The inspection team went in during May and we are currently awaiting their report. Meanwhile we are also awaiting the findings of Bruce Keogh’s rapid responsive review, and will take further regulatory action if necessary in due course.

“Following the resignation of the chief executive, Monitor will work with the trust to ensure there is stable leadership going forward.”