Neil Dardis, Chief Executive of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust will be leaving in the spring to take up a new role overseas.

After six years at the Trust and over 25 years in the NHS, Neil has been invited to take on a senior leadership role in the State of Qatar. 

In a message to staff Neil said:

“I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role… This was an unexpected offer and it has been a really hard decision to make. As many of you will know, this has been a difficult year for me personally after losing my Mum in February and so, after very careful thought, I have decided that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is right for me and my family at this time.

“I will be incredibly sad to leave Frimley Health and I have made many friends and colleagues who I will be so sorry to say goodbye to. Being a leader in the NHS is special, and to be Chief Executive of Frimley Health is one of the best jobs in the NHS – it is the greatest privilege I have ever had to work with you all in caring for the communities we serve. 

“It is humbling to be offered such a prestigious role and I am excited by the opportunity to use my skills and experience in a different culture and environment, whilst at the same time embracing this unique chance to make such a positive difference for my family.”

Trust Chair, Bryan Ingleby, said: “The Trust Board, Council of Governors and I will be really sorry to see Neil leave, especially as he is such a visible, ambitious and passionate leader, but we can understand why he was persuaded to accept what will undoubtedly be a fantastic opportunity for him and his family. Not only is this an incredibly exciting opportunity for Neil personally, it is also a mark of the reputation and success of Frimley Health. We are grateful to Neil for all he has done to contribute to this in his time at Frimley Health.”

Mr Ingleby continued: “Neil demonstrated great leadership in his role through the pandemic and he has always prioritised valuing our staff and quality for our patients, demonstrated by maintaining the Trust’s CQC ratings, including a good rating for maternity this year. Neil has delivered significant service and infrastructure improvements such as our £100m state-of-the-art planned care facility at Heatherwood Hospital, our £50m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park and the transformation of our digital capability, with the introduction of our new electronic patient record. Neil has shown leadership in system working by integrating community services into the Trust and through collaboration with health and care partners and he leaves the Trust with the construction of a new £49m inpatient and diagnostic unit in progress and having secured a place in the national New Hospital Programme to replace Frimley Park Hospital by 2030.”

The timescale and process for appointing a new chief executive will be planned over the coming weeks.