UPDATE NHS Trust confirms chairman is to step down (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon Health Services Trust to lose chairman month after chief executive's resignation

4:48pm Friday 23rd March 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust has confirmed its chairman Brian Phillpott is set to step down.

The news follows on from the resignation of the trust’s chief executive Nick Hulme in February.

The news was broken by Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway following a confidential meeting with Mr Phillpott this morning.

Mr Phillpott is expected to remain in his role until the end of April, and will be replaced by Michael Parker, a non-executive at NHS London, who will take on the role until a replacement is appointed.

An interim chief executive, John Goulston, has also been appointed.

A statement from Croydon Health Services Trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, said: “Michael previously held the position of chair at King’s College Hospital from 2002 until 2011.

"John is currently working for NHS London in the role of Regional Director of Provider Development and London Programme for IT.

“He will take on the post from May 1 and remain in post on an interim basis until a candidate is appointed.”

Mr Ottaway exposed the decision this morning and said the move was positive.

He said: “Croydon Health Services now has no chairman or chief executive but temporary appointments will be made from May 1.

“I hope that the new appointments to be made in due course will reflect the incredible importance of healthcare in Croydon and that new talented people with energy and vision will be appointed to lead the Trust forward, delivering Foundation Trust status and the redevelopment of Purley Hospital.”