Your report on Lord Kerslake’s resignation as chair of King’s College Hospital, London (Head of top NHS trust quits over cash squeeze, 11 December) finishes with a statement from NHS Improvement saying “We will replace him with a highly experienced chair to take charge of the trust’s position”.
This is an inaccuracy. Under the constitution of foundation trusts, it is for the trust to select and appoint their chair, who is an independent director. I assume that, as usual, King’s nominations committee will soon start the process of appointing a new chair. But I know that we will struggle to find one so skilled, so experienced, or so dedicated as Bob Kerslake.
It is a sad day for the NHS and for King’s patients when someone of his calibre feels they have no alternative but to throw in the towel.
Andrew McCall
Former public governor, member of nominations committee, King’s College Hospital
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