Experienced CEO steps up to lead troubled trust

Paula Clark, previously chief executive of University Hospitals of North Midlands for two years, has been appointed as interim lead for the troubled Shrewsbury and Telford.

Ms Clark stepped down from her role at UHNM to retire earlier this year. It is not clear how long she will be interim at SATH for.

It comes following the departure of Simon Wright, who has resigned and is due to leave next month. At the time the trust said Mr Wright would take up a role working with sustainability and transformation partnerships, but the BBC has since reported he has decided no longer to do this.

Mr Wright’s departure comes amid concerns about series service quality problems at the trust. In May the trust received its fourth warning notice form the CQC over the safety of its services.

It has also been in the centre of a row over major reconfiguration proposals, and an investigation into maternity safety concerns.

In November last year, the CQC rated it “inadequate” in safety and well-led categories.

Ms Clark has had experience as a CEO across the West Midlands for more than 20 years and featured in HSJ’s top chief executive list for three years running.

She was previously chief executive of the Dudley Group Foundation Trust and prior to this, Burton Hospitals FT.

Trust chair Ben Reid said: ”Paula brings with her a wealth of experience…I look forward to working with Paula and I am sure she will receive a warm welcome and support from teams across the Trust when she starts with us.”