THE chief executive of the Bolton NHS Trust is to step down after six years in the role.

Dr Jackie Bene will also stop working as a Consultant Physician at the end of March 2020.

Announcing her decision, Dr Bene said: “After much thought and consideration, and definitely with sadness, I have decided to step down from the role of Chief Executive and Consultant Physician at the end of this financial year. I have enjoyed 26 years in Bolton - the best part of my long NHS career.

“I am immensely grateful to the people I have worked with who have supported and encouraged me through good times and bad – together we have enjoyed special times and shared many great achievements. It’s been a great privilege to serve the Bolton community and a pleasure to work with all those who share our common interest. However, as the Trust launches its new five year strategy, now is the right time to hand over the baton to a new Chief Executive”.

Professor Donna Hall, Chair of Bolton NHS Trust added: “Dr Jackie Bene is an outstanding NHS and care system leader and a caring and compassionate physician. She has earned the trust, respect and admiration of everyone she meets; patients, staff and partner organisations. She and her team have driven Bolton to becoming one of the few Trusts in the North West to be recognised by the CQC as “outstanding” for leadership.

“Throughout her time as Chief Executive, she has also continued to practice as an acute doctor, completing weekly shifts in our accident and emergency department. Jackie is both humble and courageous and has given over 26 years of loyal service to Bolton for which we are eternally grateful. We wish her all the very best.”