by Lynn Cox

The chief executive of Medway Maritime Hospital, Andrew Horne, is stepping down after seven years at the helm.

The hospital is run by Medway NHS Foundation Trust, and Mr Horne, was appointed chief executive in 2002.

He said: “When I was asked to take over at Medway in 2002 the trust was still a ‘no stars’ hospital but, I could see from the quality of the various teams in place that there was a deep belief that this was fundamentally a good hospital.

“This has been proven over the years.

“The hospital has significantly grown in size and increased the range of services provided to reflect the needs of both local people and to provide specialist acute services across West Kent.

“Foundation trust status is also allowing us to build a greater bond with local people and although we have improved our reputation, there is still further to go.

“This will be achieved as the trust pursues its strategy of excellent patient safety and patient experience.

“I have always been proud to be part of Medway and I know, with the quality of board and clinical leadership, the trust will always be looking to improve and achieve its ambitions.”

Trust chairman Vernon Hull added: “Andrew will step down at the end of the year, or sooner if the trust is able to make a suitable appointment before then.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Andrew on behalf of everyone at Medway for his achievements here and wish him well for the future.

“In the meantime, I am confident that our team of executive directors will continue to deliver plans for improved services for our patients.”

A press release from Medway NHS Foundation Trust did not say why Mr Horne had dtaken the decision to step down.