The chief executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s governing body is to step down to work on national NHS policy.
Tony Bell has temporarily handed the reins to Elizabeth McManus, who was previously chief nurse and director of quality, while the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust chooses a new chief executive.
The announcement comes less than a month after the hospital was told it requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on October 28.
The CQC said in its report, the hospital requires improvement in all main inspection areas apart from caring, where it was rated good.
The trust said it could not comment on whether or not this was the reason Mr Bell was stepping down.
He said: “I believe that this is the right time for me to hand over the reins as a new trust board establishes itself and reviews its priorities for the future.
“We have developed a strategic direction for the trust and I feel honoured to have played a key part in leading that process with board directors.”
Chairman of the trust Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett praised Mr Bell’s work and said he has been committed, professional and has made a significant contribution to the trust’s future.
He said: “I am grateful to Tony for his great contribution.”
