Barts medical director resigns

An email to staff by interim chief executive Alwen Williams today, and obtained by HSJ, reveals Steve Ryan, medical director since 2010, is leaving the trust next month to take up a role at the UCLPartners academic health sciences centre.

Dr Ryan is the latest executive director to leave the trust with the chief executive, chair, chief nurse and finance director all resigning since the start of the year.

The trust has been put into special measures after being rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission earlier this year and is forecasting a year end deficit in 2015-16 of £135m.

The email from Ms Williams said Dr Ryan’s role at UCLPartners would involve “improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.”

Ms Williams added: “At Barts he [Steve Ryan] has overseen the integration and development of clinical services and has championed the vision to improve public health outcomes and reduce health inequalities in North East London.

“Steve was instrumental in the merger that led to the formation of Barts Health in April 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his work to improve health services and outcomes for the people of east London and beyond.”

Professor David Fish, managing director of UCLPartners, said: “We are delighted that Steve will be joining our team delivering new models of care for children and teenagers requiring mental health support. This is an area of pressing need for Londoners. The breadth of his experience as a paediatrician and population-focused clinician will add new skills and real strength.”

Arrangements are being put in place to appoint a “chief medical officer” for Barts Health on an interim basis while the recruitment exercise for the substantive position takes place.