NHS boss announces retirement due to ill health

Tracy Bullock has had a 40-year career in the NHS

The chief executive of a Staffordshire hospitals trust has announced she is to retire due to ill health.

Tracy Bullock, who will have led University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) for more than five years when she steps down in June, has had a 40-year career in the NHS.

She was diagnosed with a long-term health condition 18 months ago, and told colleagues she would be taking ill health retirement as a result.

She said she had given the decision considerable thought and that it had come with mixed emotions.

Ms Bullock said her health meant she was unable to manage the demands of being a chief executive.

"I have always been resolute that if I cannot give 100% then I will step aside," she said in a letter to staff.

"Since I started at UHNM I have been clear and vocal about what a great organisation it is and how coming to work here with you was the best career decision I ever made.

"Working alongside such dedicated individuals has been an honour and I am immensely proud to have been part of our UHNM family."

'Driving improvements'

UHNM chair David Wakefield paid tribute to Ms Bullock, describing her as an outstanding leader.

He said: "Tracy has transformed UHNM, navigating us out of financial special measures, putting quality and caring at the heart of everything we do which has been recognised by the CQC, as well as supporting and driving improvements throughout what must be the NHS’s most challenging times, the Covid-19 pandemic."

Hew also praised her "energy, commitment and openness".

"Her ability to drive performance through engagement is notable and her sense of humour is always appreciated by everyone around her," Mr Wakefield added.