An interim chief executive has been appointed for the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT)
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust CEO Susan Acott will take up the position on October 16. EKHUFT is in charge of hospitals including Margate’s QEQM.
Ms Acott has been with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust for eight years.
She will act as interim Chief Executive at East Kent Hospitals until March 31, 2018, during which time the Trust will conduct a recruitment and selection process for the permanent role.
Ms Acott said: “I am delighted to come to East Kent Hospitals as interim Chief Executive and I look forward to working with staff, patients and the communities the Trust serves to further progress the Trust’s work to provide excellent hospital services for local people and further strengthen the close working between the NHS organisations in Kent.”
Last year Ms Acott sparked controversy when she suggested during a radio interview that the NHS could have to start charging for services.
Trust chairman Nikki Cole, said: “I am delighted that Susan will be supporting East Kent in this role. Her leadership experience of a career across the NHS, combined with extensive knowledge of local healthcare needs, will help the Trust build on the improvements it has already made and will provide stable leadership while the Trust works to recruit a permanent Chief Executive.”
Ms Acott will return to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust at the end of her secondment at East Kent.