Interim Chair at East Kent Hospitals

Dr Annette Doherty is stepping down as Chair of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust to allow the Trust to appoint a Chair who can focus exclusively on leading East Kent through the next phase of improvement work ahead.

The Trust’s Council of Governors has asked Dr Olu Olasode, Senior Independent Director/Non-Executive Director, to take on the role of Interim Chair until a permanent Chair is appointed. Dr Olasode will take on the role of Interim Chair with immediate effect.

Dr Olasode has been a Non-Executive Director at the Trust since 1 April 2021. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, Economist and Leadership Consultant. He has over 32 years of executive leadership experience and 25 years as Non-Executive Director and Chairman of audit and governance within both public and private sector organisations. He has over 30 years’ experience in the NHS, including as Commissioner and Chair of Audit & Governance with the CQC.

Lead Governor Bernie Mayall said: “I want to thank Dr Doherty for her leadership and Dr Olasode for taking on the Interim Chair role at this time. The Council of Governors will work to appoint a permanent Chair to lead the Trust through the next stage of its improvement journey as soon as possible.”