Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust appoints seventh boss in four years

The trust was placed in special measures two years ago amid concerns about death rates

An NHS trust rated inadequate by a health watchdog has defended the appointment of its seventh boss in four years.

Peter Herring will take over from Karen Fisher at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 19 November.

Last month, a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found a number of "serious problems" which were "extremely concerning".

Chairman Sean Lyons said the trust now had the right person in place.

'Not all bad'

Mr Lyons said: "It's no secret that the best performing trusts have consistent and strong leadership.

"The chief executive position is an exceptionally challenging role in difficult circumstances, and sourcing right and credible leaders is a challenge for any NHS organisation.

"We believe we have found an exceptional interim CEO in Peter Herring."

Mr Lyons added that the CQC report was "shocking and a wake-up call for everybody", but said it was now about finding the "best in class" to deal with the issues and help move things forward.

The trust, which runs Kings Mill Hospital, Newark Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital, was placed in special measures two years ago because of concerns about death rates and standards of care.

The chief executive brought in at the time - Paul O'Connor - left in April to pursue "alternative career options".

At the time of Mr O'Connor's appointment, the then interim trust chairman Chris Mellor said: "We need an experienced, permanent CEO who can provide the continuity of leadership and direction that, until recently, has been sadly lacking."

How many chief executives does it take?

• Carolyn White was appointed interim chief executive in 2010 and served until October 2011

• Martin Wakeley was appointed chief executive in October 2011 and left in May 2012

• Dr Mark Goldman took on the role of chief executive in June 2012. In October he faced calls for the entire board to quit over cancer errors and left the job

• Following his departure, Eric Morton took on the role until June 2013. According to reports, he was paid £190,000 for his services

• Paul O' Connor became chief executive in June 2013 and quit in April 2015. The trust said he had left to pursue "alternative career options"

• The trust's then director of human resources Karen Fisher filled the position until the appointment of Peter Herring as interim chief executive in November 2015