Mental Health Bosses Quit Posts

Three directors of the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust have resigned from the trust board. The announcement comes as an inquiry into allegations of abuse and neglect at Budock Hospital near Falmouth draws to a close. There is no indication that the resignations are linked to the investigation into the trust, which deals with mental health in Cornwall. Trust Chief Executive Lezli Boswell told board members on Monday that Medical Director Ken Wood was standing down, but would continue with his clinical work. She also said that Mark Steer, director of nursing and service governance, had resigned from the board, but would continue in his role improving services for people with learning disabilities.

Blaise Mallon, finance director, has notified the trust of his intention to step down and will serve for a further six months under the terms of his contract. The resignations are the latest high-profile departures of senior members of the county’s health service managers to hit the NHS within a week.

Last week, the chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust resigned after 13 years in the post over the hospitals trust’s current overspend of nearly £16m. Brian Milstead, one of the longest serving chief executives in the NHS, said he accepted responsibility for the financial situation of the trust.