The chief executive of cancer hospital The Christie has resigned from her position, following her suspension nine months ago for allegations she used NHS money to fund a holiday.
Caroline Shaw, who was reportedly paid £195,000 per year, has stepped down after an investigation into an expenses-funded trip to Ibiza.
This follows the resignation of the Hospital Trust Chairman Lord Bradley in February, who quit over the handling of Mrs Shaw’s suspension.
Mrs Shaw said: “I have had nine wonderful years at The Christie, in the service of the patients to which it provides such outstanding care. It is now time to move on.
“The Trust also needs a fresh start. The Christie, all the staff that work there and the patients that it serves, will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
Under the terms of her resignation, Mrs Shaw will receive six months pay, as well as legal costs she incurred during the investigation.
Mrs Shaw has herself paid the expenses relating to the retreat, and in a statement, the NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Trust has resolved to its satisfaction the issues of payments … there is no question of outstanding payment due to the Trust.”
The networking trip was organised by members of the Young Presidents Organisation, of which she was a member.
Its other members include high-profile business leaders from across the UK, and Mrs Shaw claimed her involvement would benefit The Christie, to the tune of £1million in donations over a 12-month period.
Sir Hugh Taylor, outgoing Chair of the Board of The Christie, said: “Under Caroline’s leadership, the Trust and associated charity has thrived, expanding the services that it provides locally and across the North West.
“Her personal legacy to The Christie is immense. I understand and respect her decision to move on, which also enables the Trust to look to the future.
“The Christie is an outstanding institution and I, too, wish my successor and all her colleagues well as they take it forward.”
The independent body responsible for this investigation, NHS Protect, has confirmed that it will not be taking the expenses investigation further.
Withington MP John Leech has also spoken of his sadness at the whole affair.
He said: “As a huge fan of the work the Christie do, the good news is that this statement draws a line under the uncertainty at the Christie. They can get back to doing what they do best, looking after patients.
“The bad news is that this has been badly handled from the start, and has taken far too to resolve. A dispute over £2,600 has cost the taxpayers £270,000.
“I want to add my thanks to Caroline Shaw for the transformational work she has done over the past nine years. I completely understand why she want to move on. I think her resignation is a huge loss to the Christie.”
Image courtesy of The Christie NHS, via YouTube, with thanks
