THE MEDICAL director at the hospital trust in charge of Royal Blackburn Hospital is to step down after more than four years.

Professor Damian Riley will step down from the role, and as board member at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, on October 31.

He will also no longer be acting chief executive, a role he has taken charge of for the last six months, while current CEO Kevin McGee originally took on interim charge at Royal Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

But confirmation of Mr McGee’s permanent appointment as CEO of both trusts means Prof Riley’s role is no longer needed.

Prof Riley will stay on at the trust, however, on a part time basis, in a new role leading on clinical strategy and future vision.

Mr McGee said: “Professor Damian Riley will step down from his substantive position as medical director and board member at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) on 31 October, after more than four years in the role.

“Prof Riley has been a valuable asset to the trust and has made an immense contribution to the local health system.

“However, I’m delighted that we have been able to retain his services on a part time basis in a new role leading on clinical strategy and future vision.

“For the past six months, Damian has taken day to day charge of the trust as acting chief executive while I covered the CEO role at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and I’d like to thank him for his support during this time.

He added: “It was confirmed last week that I will be chief executive and accountable officer for both trusts.

“The trust will be interviewing for a new medical director on October 31.”