Southern Health interim chairman resigns

The trust announced today that Tim Smart, who was appointed in May, has resigned with immediate effect ‘for personal reasons.’

A statement from Southern Health said: ‘Tim Smart has taken the decision to resign from his position as interim chair, with immediate effect, for personal reasons.

‘Since his appointment in May this year Tim has made a considerable contribution to the trust, driving through changes necessary to improve our services.

‘We would like to thank him for his time and dedication.’

It added: ‘We are working with NHS Improvement to appoint a new interim chair as soon as possible.

‘In the meantime, Malcolm Berryman as deputy chair, will ensure that the duties of the trust board are carried out.’

Mr Smart stepped in as interim chairman following the resignation of Mike Petter in April.

He was asked to carry out a review into the trust after it was revealed it had failed to investigate the deaths of hundreds of patients.

As part of his review, he confirmed the then chief executive Katrina Percy would keep her role.

As previously reported in The News, Ms Percy stepped down and accepted a new role within Southern Health as a strategic advisor to GPs.