Hospital boss to step down after a decade at helm

'A DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL'

- MAXINE DENTON

THE boss of Derriford Hospital has announced she is stepping down after more than a decade. Ann James has been chief executive with University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) NHS Trust since September 2012.

Her tenure has included guiding Derriford Hospital through the Covid-19 pandemic and working on major modernisation plans.

Her resignation comes as Derriford Hospital has declared its second critical incident this year, citing extreme winter pressures.

The last critical incident at the end of January continued for more than seven days. And last week The Herald reported that 80% of patients arriving at Derriford were waiting more than the recommended half hour for transfer to the emergency department.

Ms James said: "It has been the greatest honour to play a part in the incredible journey of UHP and it was never going to be easy, or feel like the right time, to step away from being Chief Executive.