Arrowe Park hospital chief executive Len Richards steps down after months of criticism

Aug 3 2011 by Liza Williams, Birkenhead News

THE chief executive of Wirral Hospitals Trust has stepped down after months of criticism from staff and unions.

Len Richards, head of the Trust which runs Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, announced he will leave his post on August 22.

He has already secured another job leading the North West’s NHS efficiency drive.

It followed a vote of no confidence by doctors in his leadership earlier this month.

A string of controversial decisions – including the proposed merging of vascular surgery with the Countess of Chester – have angered staff.

But the trust’s chairman Michael Carr paid tribute to Mr Richards’ contribution and claimed his departure was due to the job offer.

Colm Byrne, regional officer for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said: “We have raised concerns for many months about cuts in nursing staff, a lack of consultation with clinicians such as nurses and doctors, the closure of wards at Clatterbridge and reductions of beds and staff at Arrowe Park.

“Most recently we have raised worries about the potential loss of vascular services to Chester and the low morale of nursing staff, who are constantly being put under more pressure as the cuts impact on front-line services.

“Our members certainly feel there has been an unwillingness to listen to clinical concerns and we hope any new chief executive will be prepared to listen carefully, work in partnership with us and act on the concerns raised by our members.”

Mr Carr said: “Over the past five years, Len has led this organisation through some challenging times.

“Nevertheless this trust is recognised externally as an extremely successful and innovative organisation and is highly regarded.”