St George's Hospital chairwoman Naaz Coker to step down

Naaz Coker this week said she would be stepping down when her second four-year term in the role comes to an end in October.

On May 6, David Astley, chief executive of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, announced he was retiring because of a board decision to delay its foundation trust application due to financial issues.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan said the "double blow" for the hospital was a clear sign deeper problems existed.

Ms Coker said: "Chairs and non-executive directors can be appointed for two four-year terms and under special circumstances - for example mid-way through a Foundation Trust (FT) application - one can seek an extension to complete the process.

"Even under these rules, the maximum time a non-executive director can serve is 10 years, unless one is a FT in which case the members decide the length of service.

"As we are now more than two years away from FT authorisation, it makes sense that a new chair with a new chief executive undertake that journey together.

"St George's Healthcare and I will continue to use my energies to steer and fight for the achievement of a successful and consistent clinical and financial performance over the next few months and remain focused on striving to achieve our vision."

But Mr Khan said: "This is a double blow for St George’s after the recent loss of chief executive David Astley.

"St George’s is facing some huge challenges, and it’s extremely worrying that the trust is losing two of the most experienced members of its management team.

"It is clear that things are not well at St George’s and that government cuts are causing problems from top to bottom at St George’s.

"This will make further hit morale for St George’s staff, who are already under huge pressure."

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