[D]ame Jackie Daniel has today formally announced her personal decision to ‘step down’ as Chief Executive of University hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust at the end of March 2018.
Dame Jackie said “After a privileged five and a half years leading the Trust, I feel now is the right time. In terms of my personal future plans, I hope to continue to support the NHS and pursue a number of other interests.
“This job has been the most challenging, but also the most rewarding of my career. The improvements we have made together in quality and patient safety are impressive, and the staff; governors and partners should feel very proud.
“I have been well supported over the years by the most talented and committed individuals and teams and I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to you all.
“The work to date and the plans for the future will continue. I look forward to seeing a future Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of ‘Outstanding’ and an Accountable Care System in the Bay, which will provide a legacy of sustainable care for the next generation.
“We will now begin the process of the appointment of my successor and I will keep our staff and partners updated. I hope we will have the opportunity to say farewell properly before I finish, which will be towards the end of March 2018.”
Commenting on the news that Jackie Daniel is to step down as Chief Executive of the Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust, South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “Jackie has done an absolutely amazing job.
“The Trust’s remarkable turnaround from being in special measures to now being rated as ‘good’ is testament to the years of hard work and sheer determination from Jackie and all of the staff at our local hospitals.
“I’m extremely grateful for her dedication to our local health services and wish her all the best for whatever the future may bring.
“I look forward to working with Jackie’s successor, as we still face many challenges not least from the £572m that the government are planning on cutting from local health services, as well as the need for an Urgent Care Centre and a radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General Hospital.”
