The Southern Trust’s Chief Executive Dr Maria O’Kane has resigned from her role with immediate effect.
The announcement prompted an MLA to call for a investigation into departures from senior leadership positions in health.
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.
SDLP Opposition health spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has emphasised the need to support health trusts.
He had called for an urgent ministerial intervention and for a departmental assessment to determine the reasons behind the current vacancies in two of the five trust CEO positions.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said: “Our trusts are facing unprecedented pressure, and the demands placed upon them are substantial.
“We have been informed that the CEO of the Southern Trust has departed, and the leadership position in the Belfast Trust is currently being filled on an interim basis.
“This lack of stability during a period of immense strain on our health service is concerning.”
He added: “I urge the department to take immediate steps to provide assistance and to investigate the underlying causes of this situation.
‘”It is evident that our health service is grappling with significant challenges, and our Executive must prioritise the transformation of our health system to better serve patients.
“However, adding the instability of vacant senior positions at such a critical time will undoubtedly make the pressures worse on an already strained service.”