Pennine Acute Trust chief executive recruitment process postponed

Following discussions between John Jesky the Chairman of Pennine Acute Trust, which includes Rochdale Infirmary, Mike Farrar, Chief Executive of the SHA, the Recruitment Consultants assisting the Trust with recruiting a new Chief Executive, and the Trust Non-Executive Directors, Mr Jesky has taken the decision to postpone the chief executive recruitment process until the autumn.

In a memo to Trust staff Mr Jesky explained:

"We had several strong applicants, but currently many NHS organisations across the country are going through major changes, causing considerable uncertainties amongst potential candidates and thus challenges in the recruitment market.  That situation is transitional and should lead to further expressions of interest from well-qualified candidates. We know that we must do everything we can to obtain the strongest possible field of candidates for this post, and postponing the interviews will assist us with that.

"During the next few months we anticipate decisions on service reconfiguration, the results of our Foundation Trust diagnostic exercise and good progress against our target of achieving financial balance. The outlook for our Trust will be clearer and this too will assist the recruitment exercise.

"Finally, Bob Chadwick is doing an excellent job as Acting Chief Executive and I am quite prepared to delay the recruitment process in anticipation of securing the right person for the job.

"I know that many of you have been asking about our progress, so I wanted to take this opportunity to update you.

"I will keep you informed of progress."

Date article online: 25/06/2006