Chief medical officer to step down after nine years
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Our group chief medical officer, Professor Alistair Chesser, has announced he will be stepping down from the role after nine years.
Professor Chesser will step down in March 2025 but will remain at the trust in a clinical role.
He became chief medical officer in 2016 and under his leadership, the trust has improved its Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings in all domains, particularly in the caring, safe and effective domains across all sites.
He also led clinical teams through the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, as c apacity was rapidly expanded, and saved thousands of lives through innovative clinical care.
More recently, Professor Chesser has been integral through the periods of industrial action, supporting medical colleagues with their right to strike, while keeping hospitals open for patients.
"There has been no better place to work, with amazing doctors, nurses, AHPs and other staff, a fantastic leadership team, and the honour we all share of serving a diverse local people drawn from so many cultures and backgrounds,” Professor Chesser said.
"I have never doubted the commitment, values and immense skills of my consultant colleagues throughout Barts Health – it really has been a privilege to be at the helm and I will always be grateful for the support and dedication you give to each other and our patients."
Group chief executive, Shane DeGaris, said: “Alistair has led our medical teams with integrity and compassion, encouraging all of us to place the safety and needs of our patients at the heart of everything we do.
“I would like to thank him for his considerable dedication and unwavering commitment to our people and patients.”
The appointment process for a new group chief medical officer will launch shortly.
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