Chairman leaves role at troubled hospital trust

Niall Dickson has been chair of East Kent Hospitals Trust since April 2021

The chairman of the East Kent Hospitals Trust has stood down.

Niall Dickson has left the role for personal and health reasons.

In 2022 an independent review by Dr Bill Kirkup found that between 2009 and 2020, 45 babies could have been saved with better care.

Mr Dickson said: “This is an organisation filled with dedicated and committed staff who give so much day in day out and I am confident that with the right support the trust will continue its improvement journey.

Mr Dickson said “The challenges laid out by Dr Kirkup’s report... are significant and, as we have always said, apply not just to maternity."

He added: “I am pleased that we have made progress on key areas during my tenure, including significant improvements in staffing, in our maternity care, in listening to and involving patients and by taking steps to create a more open culture."

Vice-chair Stewart Baird will act as chair of the trust until a permanent successor is appointed.