Belfast Trust's chief executive stepping down

Dr Cathy Jack has worked in the health care sector for 37 years

The chief executive of Northern Ireland's largest health trust has announced she is stepping down.

Dr Cathy Jack took up the post at Belfast Trust in January 2020 and has had a career in health care spanning 37 years.

Belfast Trust said Dr Jack led the organisation through "a challenging landscape for health and social care, including a global pandemic".

Also during her time, the Trust saw the largest ever patient recall, when more than 2,500 neurology patients under the care of neurologist Michael Watt were to be reviewed.

Through the years

In 2004, Dr Jack joined the consultant medical staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital as a geriatrician.

She has worked her way through the ranks from deputy medical director to medical director and deputy chief executive before taking up the chief executive role.

Belfast Trust said she "embodies health service values and has worked diligently to ensure our patients and service users have received the best possible care".

It wished to pay tribute to Dr Jack for "her unwavering commitment to Belfast Trust and her wider contribution to health and social care in Northern Ireland".

Ciaran Mulgrew, Belfast Trust chair, said: "On behalf of Trust Board I want to thank Cathy for her dedication and leadership to the people we serve, and she leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes."

Belfast Trust will now begin the process of recruiting a new chief executive.