Lincolnshire NHS trust CEO to step down

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has started the search for a new chief executive after Jane Lewington announced that she will step down from the role in July this year.

Jane has worked in the NHS for 33 years, working most of her career in the wider Lincolnshire area.

She joined ULHT in 2010 as Director of Strategy and Performance and was appointed CEO in December 2012.

During her tenure, the trust has faced a number of challenges, most notably being placed into special measures in July 2013.

Despite coming out of special measures in March this year, the trust was placed on black alert over the winter and has paid out over £19 million in negligence compensation last year.

She said: “Being chief executive at ULHT is a great privilege and it is the role that has given me the greatest job satisfaction in all my 33 years in the NHS.

“Every single member of staff has contributed to the significant improvements we have made in the quality and safety of our services, which has led to us being taken out of special measures.

“I am extremely proud to have led the trust during this time but I know I will be leaving the trust in the very capable hands of a strong and committed executive team.”

Chairman Ron Buchanan added: “I know I speak on behalf of the whole board when I say Jane has been an outstanding leader over the last few years and has successfully guided the organisation through particularly turbulent times.

“Jane can be particularly proud of leading the trust out of special measures and the recognition by the CQC of the significant improvements they witnessed in their latest inspection is testament to her leadership skills.

“Jane will clearly be difficult to replace but the search for a new CEO is underway. Her successor will have a sound platform to build on and will need to maintain the momentum of improvement that has been created, together with working closely with our partners to drive the next stage of reconfiguration of services across Lincolnshire.”

Bob Alexander, Chief Executive Designate of the NHS Trust Development Authority, said: “Jane has provided inspirational leadership during a time of significant challenges for the trust.

“Her commitment to driving forward improvements for patients in Lincolnshire has ensured the trust delivers high quality care, and she has built strong foundations to sustain this performance. We commend Jane for her dedication and patient focus, and wish her all the best for the future.”