Health boss will stand down next year

In a statement Ron Shields said, “After much thought and with considerable sadness, I will be standing down as chief executive in March 2019 and becoming an NHS pensioner!

“I will be leaving with sadness, but immense pride about being part of Dorset HealthCare and what we have achieved through our community and mental health services for the people of Dorset. Delivering health care is always challenging, but it has been a privilege and great pleasure to work with so many fabulous people and great teams across Dorset. Building on the shoulders of staff, governors and partners, past and present, I am confident that Dorset HealthCare has a very positive future.”

After 38 years in the NHS and five years in Dorset HealthCare, Ron said “now is the right time to pass on the baton and to support the Trust Board in recruiting a new chief executive.” He said he has every confidence in the Trust Board and Executive Team moving the Trust towards excellence.

Chair, Andy Willis has written to thank Ron for his good leadership, which he said, “was instrumental in Dorset HealthCare achieving its GOOD CQC rating in April this year, for making sure we can continue to invest in our services and for making Dorset HealthCare a partner of choice within our health economy. Ron has also built the senior leadership team of Dorset HealthCare so we are well placed to continue to move forward when Ron leaves us.”