Steve Russell. chief executive of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, is to take up a secondment as national director for covid and flu vaccinations at NHS England.
Mr Russell will replace Dr Emily Lawson in a role that could last up to a year.
He will leave the trust for the time being on Friday next week.
Angela Schofield, chairman of the trust, which runs Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital, said in a statement today:
“Steve’s new role will take him away from HDFT for at least six months and potentially up to a year.
“I know that, while he is looking forward to this new opportunity, he is eager to return to HDFT.
“We are very fortunate to have a strong executive team and board, which has meant we have the resilience in place that has allowed Steve to take up this opportunity.
“While Steve is away we need experienced leadership to maintain our progress and I am delighted to let you know that Jonathan Coulter, who is currently deputy chief executive and our director of finance, will become acting chief executive, and Jordan McKie, our deputy director of finance, will take up the role of acting director of finance.
Mr Russell announced the move on Twitter this afternoon.
Some personal news👇👇
I’ll miss colleagues @HarrogateNHSFT and from across our health & care systems. Excited about the opportunity, but a bit daunted at following the rather amazing @Emily_JR_Lawson ! Keen to learn from all colleagues about how we continue her great work. https://t.co/RTJel7DPqc
— #hellomynameis Steve (he/him) 💙 (@steve_r76) February 17, 2022
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