Chairman of hospital trust resigns

Published: 30 January 2014

Peter Hildrew, Chairman of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has resigned with immediate effect. He made the decision to resign following the release of a critical judgement by the Exeter Employment Tribunal.

Vice-Chairman, Topsy Murray takes on the role of Acting Vice-Chair with immediate effect until the Council of Governors appoints a new Chairman.

Peter Hildrew commented: “As the most senior office holder in the organisation I take responsibility for the actions, some of them my own, which have led the tribunal panel to conclude that our Trust has caused detriment to two former employees of Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust. This damages the reputation of the Trust, for which I am truly sorry.

He continued: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of South Devon Healthcare and I am proud of all that the Trust has achieved during my six years in office. I wish the Trust and its staff every success in continuing to deliver excellent services to our local community.”

Acting Chairman, Topsy Murray, who has been a non-executive director at the trust since 2010 and Vice-Chair since 1 March 2012 said: “We are grateful to Peter for his leadership and support over the last nine years. Under his direction, this Trust has flourished. We will continue to focus on delivering excellent health care for our patients.”