Chief Executive leaves after steering Trust to Foundation Status

Paul Forden has stepped down from the post of Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Forden successfully saw the Trust through its application to become a NHS Foundation Trust, which was confirmed on 1 May 2008, and is now leaving so that new leadership can be quickly put in place after this landmark, to take the hospital to the next stage of its development.

David Prior, Chair of the Foundation Trust, said: “We express our deepest thanks to Paul for the leadership he has shown during his four years at the Trust. During Paul's time as Chief Executive we were ranked by the Healthcare Commission and our patients as the highest performing multi-specialty hospital in the country. At the same time, through improved productivity, we have delivered excellent financial results which leave us strong and well placed to invest in the future. On behalf of the Board and staff of the Foundation Trust we wish Paul well in his next post.

“Anna Dugdale has been appointed Acting Chief Executive and we have great confidence in the strong management and clinical leadership team that will support her.”

Paul Forden said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Norfolk and Norwich and I leave with a sense of sadness at the people I leave behind, but a sense of pride in the journey we have taken together and the attainment of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is the time for a new leader to take the Trust forward but I will always remember the good times I experienced here as I continue my NHS career elsewhere.”