Resignations follow launch of probe

Today's resignations come almost exactly 12 months since the Healthcare Commission announced it was launching an investigation into the trust which manages Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals.

It also comes less than six months after the watchdog revealed it had taken urgent actions to boost staffing in Stafford Hospital's A&E unit after fearing for patients' safety.

Today both bosses released statements defending their record despite a report that is expected to be damning in its criticism of the hospitals.

Mr Martin Yeates, the former chief executive said: "I have not taken the decision to stand aside from the office of chief executive lightly.

"Working together with staff and partner organisations we have come a long way in a short period of time.

"Changing the way a failing organisation operates, whilst still maintaining key services for the community is a very complex business.

"It required a clear vision, proper governance, substantial investment in facilities and staffing along with a framework for clear decision-making.

"My first task was to attract a high quality senior team to provide the leadership and vision to build a financially strong and successful organisation.

"This has enabled us to recruit additional staff including 100 new nurses, significantly strengthen our emergency services, reduce hospital-associated infections and invest in new equipment and facilities.

"I recognise that there is still a lot to do. I am very proud of what we have achieved so far. The organisation is now in a stronger position and I have developed an experienced management team that can take the Trust forward."

Sadness

Mr Yeates, of Church Eaton, near Stafford, stepped into the role of chief executive in September 2005. He was previously director of care services for Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.

Former trust chairman Ms Brisby said: "It is with great sadness and reluctance that I have made the decision to step down as chair, from what I consider now to be a transformed organisation from the one I joined in 2004.

"The Board and the Executive Team have worked relentlessly to move this organisation from failure." In recent years, the trust has scored poorly in numerous surveys over staff and patient satisfaction.

"And, the trust has come under fire from South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh in a string of inquests.

Today Ethel Powell, chairman of the League of Friends for Cannock Hospital said she was glad to hear Mr Yeates was resigning.

Councillor John Beddows, chairman of Cannock Chase Council's health policy development committee said he had worked well with Mr Yeates who he believed had done "good work" at the hospital.