Mayday boss moving on to redevelopment role

3:56pm Wednesday 15th October 2003

Mayday boss Keith Ford is stepping down after six years at the helm.

But the hospital chief executive remains in the health service as programme director for the Merton, Sutton and Mid Surrey healthcare redevelopment.

Mr Ford, who was awarded an OBE in June for services to the NHS, said: “I am very excited by the prospect of playing a key role in the multimillion pound development which should result from the Merton, Sutton and Mid Surrey proposals.

“However, I feel sad at the thought of leaving Mayday and I shall miss its unique friendliness and team spirit. It is a fine hospital that is going from strength to strength and I feel proud to have been part of it.” The proposals for Merton, Sutton and Mid Surrey were outlined in September. The preferred option is to create a range of local care centres working in partnership with a single critical care hospital.

Mr Ford, 53, will work part- time on his new post through October and November and begin full duties in December.

Vannessa Wood, Mayday’s deputy chief executive, will become acting chief executive. The trust board has not yet decided when the permanent post will be advertised.

Sue Eardley, Trust Board chairman, said: “Keith’s influence at Mayday has been tremendous. Under his leadership the trust has developed into a well respected, efficient and stable organisation with an excellent management team. I am pleased for Keith that he has been offered this new challenge and, while disappointed he is leaving, I am confident Mayday will continue to grow in strength and reputation.” Mr Ford, who is married with two children, joined Mayday in June 1997. During his time there he has overseen a PFI project for its energy centre, planned and developed the £22million Jubilee Wing and is on the verge of signing contracts for the redevelopment of Purley Memorial Hospital in conjunction with a property development company.