THE chief executive of a health trust in the South is to step down.

Nick Broughton, chief executive of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, will leave the trust in May, it has been revealed.

It comes as he will be appointed to the role of chief executive of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The consultant forensic psychiatrist became chief executive of Southern Health in 2017 after previous staff resigned in the wake of a series of scandals including the organisation’s failure to investigate the deaths of hundreds of people in its care.

Last week Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust as good.

Dr Broughton said: "I am pleased that together with colleagues we have made significant improvements at Southern Health over the last two years. I have every confidence in the Trust Board and staff to continue to make improvements in care for local people.

“Taking on the position at Oxford Health is a fantastic opportunity but I will certainly be very sad to leave Southern Health. However, now is an ideal time to hand over the leadership of the organisation as it embarks on the next stage of its journey to becoming an outstanding Trust.”

Lynne Hunt, chair of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Nick will continue as Chief Executive of Southern Health until May. The Trust Board has already begun the process of recruiting his successor and will be involving patients, families and staff in this to ensure our next Chief Executive also has the right skills, experience and values.”