Troubled Norfolk and Suffolk mental health trust gets sixth boss in five years

Caroline Donovan is taking interim charge at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Caroline Donovan
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 4th Oct 2023

The troubled mental health trust covering Norfolk and Suffolk now has its sixth boss in just over five years.

Caroline Donovan, the former CEO of the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, is to take over at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in the coming weeks.

Current Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Richardson, is leaving his role at the end of October after two years.

It comes after he faced scrutiny from Norfolk County Council earlier this month over allegations a report into failings at the trust was 'toned down' to protect senior staff.

The trust has come under consistent scrutiny for the way patient deaths are recorded.

NSFT’s Chair, Zoë Billingham CBE said: “I am delighted to confirm Caroline’s appointment. She brings vast experience of quality improvement, transformation and leadership to our Trust which is critical as we continue to work towards consistently delivering safe, excellent care to all those who need us.”

Caroline said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to lead NSFT. I am committed to listening to, and working with, staff, service users, their carers and families, and partners as we continue to build on the improvements already underway across the Trust.

“Together, with Norfolk and Suffolk health and care partners we will join up and transform the specialist mental health and learning disability services local communities use and need. I look forward to taking up the post later this month.”

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