Union bosses say a new healthcare trust leader will have to rebuild relations with staff to turn trust around.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT) head Nick Hulme announced his retirement to staff at the trust on Friday.
The announcement came a week after Colchester Hospital received a damming report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), rating the facility as ‘requires improvement’.
Responding to the news of Mr Hulme retiring, Unison Eastern head of health Caroline Hennessy said: “It’s a shame Nick Hulme’s decision to retire in ignominy didn’t come sooner.
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“It will now be left to a new chief executive to pick up the pieces from his time in charge.
“They should start by undoing the damaging decision to throw cleaners, caterers and other support staff out of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
“It’s vital the trust starts to rebuild its relationship with staff if it’s going to turn performance around.”
After an inspection in April, the CQC raised concerns about patients being treated in corridors, inappropriate care for mental health patients, and staff not having special training.
Mr Hulme addressed the concerns raised in the report, saying action has been taken to improve the situation.
The recruitment process for Mr Hume’s successor will be undertaken by a new chairperson, who has yet to be appointed.
Deputy chief executive and director of finance Adrian Marr will take on the role of interim chief executive.
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