ANNE-MARIE Dean has stepped down as head of Darent Valley Hospital 10 months after the News Shopper launched a campaign calling for her resignation.

The beleaguered chief executive said she had taken voluntary early retirement, because "it is a natural time to move on to the next challenge".

Her departure comes a month after the Dartford hospital was branded the worst in the country and Mrs Dean was told she had three months to turn it around or be fired.

The News Shopper called for her resignation after receiving reports from staff of her bullying tactics and incompetence.

Mrs Dean said: "After 24 years at this trust and having completed the new hospital building and established the organisation in the new environment, this is a natural time to think about moving on to the next challenge.

"I have had the benefit of a tremendous team and wish the trust every success in the future."

The South East Regional Office of the NHS is now looking for a new chief executive to replace Mrs Dean.

In the meantime, chairman of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Sarah Dunnett will be running the hospital.

She said: "I am taking over at a difficult and challenging time. But it is a challenge that I relish.

continued from front page

"With the help of staff and the support of local people, I am confident that Darent Valley Hospital can take up its rightful place as one of the best in the country.

"Discussions are taking place with the South East Regional Office of the NHS Executive to find a suitable successor. In the meantime, effective interim management arrangements are in place."

As soon as the news came out of Mrs Dean's departure, the News Shopper got reactions from the community.

Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate said: "Anne-Marie Dean did a good job in overseeing the transition from Joyce Green Hospital to Darent Valley.

"What is needed now is a chief executive with a fresh vision for the trust, someone with experience, ideas and energy to take the trust forward and ensure Darent Valley is able to provide the people of Dartford with a first-class service, comparable with any in the country."

West Kent Health Authority's acting deputy chief executive Bill Gillespie said: "The health authority welcomes the appointment of Sarah Dunnett as chairman of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and will support her board and management as they address the important services and reducing waiting times for patients."

Chairman of Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Community Health Council (CHC) Ernie Brook said: "The future of Darent Valley now depends on Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust getting more financial support, step-down beds and help from the community."

November 13, 2001 15:07

Emma Coutts-Wood