CEO of NHS trust to leave 'hugely demanding job'

The chief executive officer of an NHS trust covering parts of East and West Sussex has announced that he will step down after just over three years at the helm.

Dr George Findlay, who has led University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust since July 2022, says that this is the "right moment to make a change".

His decision comes as the trust prepares to publish its new strategy for 2025-30.

Dr Findlay said: "Leading such a large, diverse organisation is a hugely demanding job and I do not anticipate continuing to do so for a further five years."

He said: "That means this is the right moment to make a change, and so I will be stepping down as chief executive.

"It's been a huge privilege to lead this organisation – and most importantly the great people who make it what it is – but this is the right thing to do, and the right time to do it."

During Dr Findlay's tenure the trust says it has both managed to reduce its waiting list by 18.5% and experienced a period of frozen recruitment for all non-clinical staff plus some senior medical roles.

However, it is also the subject of a police investigation into allegations of preventable deaths and injuries.

Chair of the trust, Philippa Slinger, added: "I would like to thank George for his service to the trust and its predecessor organisations.

"He has overseen an impressive range of improvements, and I would like to wish him well for the future."

Recruitment for a new CEO will now take place.

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