The Southern Trust’s Chief Executive Dr Maria O’Kane has resigned from her role with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Trust said Dr O’Kane is leaving to pursue other career opportunities.
Dr O’Kane took up post as Chief Executive on 1 May 2022.
She was previously the Trust’s Medical Director from December 2018 and Interim Director of Mental Health and Disability from April 2021 to February 2022.
Colm McCafferty, the Trust’s Executive Director for Social Work will be Acting Chief Executive.
The Trust will now begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive.
Speaking on behalf of the Trust Board, Chair, Eileen Mullan said: “I want to thank Dr O’Kane for her dedication and contribution to health and social care and the people we serve in the Southern Trust area and wish her well for the future.”
In January 2024 Dr O’Kane warned that the Southern Trust was in an “impossible position” and may no longer be able to meet all of its obligations in terms of quality healthcare delivery.
At the time she said waiting lists in Northern Ireland were among the worst in Europe — but would continue to deteriorate.
Last October she said the Southern Trust was under “tremendous financial pressure”.
Dr O’Kane told a board meeting all Trusts in Northern Ireland were struggling to maintain productivity.