Hospitals chief executive leaving

Dr Gillian Fairfield

Dr Gillian Fairfield, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, is leaving to become chief executive at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Dr Fairfield took over the local trust, which runs Rochdale Infirmary, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Fairfield Hospital and North Manchester General, in April 2014. She will be succeeded by the trust’s director of finance, Damien Finn, as interim chief.

Trust chairman John Jesky said: “Gillian’s contribution has been tremendous. She will be missed both professionally and personally. Under her stewardship we have made many improvements and seen innovations that will resonate long after her departure.

Mr Jesky’s term in office also comes to an end this month. Vice-chairwoman Christine Mayer, who has been a member of the trust board since 2011, will step in.

Mr Jesky added: “I’m sad to be leaving the trust after 10 years. It has been a privilege.”