‘Now is right time to go’ says Calderstones hospital boss (From This Is Lancashire)

‘Now is right time to go’ says Calderstones hospital boss

A HOSPITAL boss has quit and said it was a honour to have held the role.

HANDING OVER: Graham Parr

Graham Parr has resigned as chairman at Calderstones Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Parr has held the chairmanship for five years and is a former director of estates at the old Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Trust.

Former Lancashire Telegraph editor Peter Butterfield, currently the trust’s vice-chairman, will take over as the organisation’s interim chairman until a permanent appointment can be made.

Paying tribute to the outgoing chairman, Calderstones chief executive Russ Pearce said Mr Parr had steered the trust through several significant developments during his tenure.

Mr Pearce said: “Graham Parr has demonstrated an outstanding personal commitment to the trust, our service users and staff as well as ensuring continuous improvements to the quality of service delivery. He steered the trust to our foundation status and has been a worthy ambassador for people with a learning disability.

“On behalf of the board of directors, service users and staff I would like to thank him for all he has contributed.”

Mr Parr has also overseen the construction of a new £14million, 36-bed medium-secure unit at the Whalley hospital.

Speaking in his resignation letter he said: “My current term of office as chairman is due to end in September 2010. I therefore feel this is the right time to stand down.

“This will allow a new chairman to take forward the organisation from its early stages of development as a foundation trust.

“It has been an honour to lead the organisation and the development of services for people with learning disabilities both in the community, Gisburn Lodge, Scott House, and on site at Calderstones.

“The trust has also received for the second year an excellent rating for quality of service from the Care Quality Commission.”