12 February 2020

Chief Executive to retire in September

Dr Adrian Bull, Chief Executive of East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) is to retire in September 2020 after four years in charge, having overseen significant improvement and progress at the Trust.

To ensure a smooth transition, Dr Bull will continue to lead the Trust until September 2020 so that a successor can be appointed. The recruitment process is already underway.

Dr Adrian Bull said: “I have been proud to serve as Chief Executive at ESHT for the last four years and play my part in the significant progress and improvement that we have seen across the Trust. This would not have been possible without the support and collaboration from members of staff, volunteers, our Board, East Sussex partner organisations and local people.

“I shall be sorry to leave an organisation that is made up of so many fine people doing such impressive work, however the recent arrival of four grandchildren and the rapid approach of my mid-sixties means that I want to take more time with my family.

“I look forward to working over the next eight months to cement the progress that we have made and to encourage yet further ambition and progress across ESHT and East Sussex.”

Steve Phoenix, Chairman of the Trust Board said: “Adrian has been a superb CEO and I want to pay tribute to all he has achieved. Under his leadership, ESHT has made significant progress across key areas and developed a strengthened reputation. Improvements have been made to the quality and safety of care we provide, the accessibility of our services and the feedback that we receive from patients and members of staff. This has been done whilst steadily decreasing our financial deficit. Adrian has also overseen some significant investment and development at the Trust. In the last year alone we have seen the opening of a multi-million pound MRI unit, a new Urology Investigation Suite and new Ambulatory Care units.

“Throughout his time at the Trust, Adrian has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to developing and improving the quality of health services that are available for people across East Sussex.

“Adrian is a well-respected and valued partner in the local health and care system and will be very much missed by colleagues. We wish him a long and happy retirement.”