THE chair of the NHS trust that includes the maternity crisis-hit North Devon hospital will step down next year.

Dame Shan Morgan will end her term as chair in March next year from the trust that oversees the North Devon District Hospital, which has been under scrutiny for the temporary suspension of birthing services there.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, or RDUH, which also includes Exeter’s hospital, said Dame Shan had supported the organisation through a “period of significant change and development, overseeing progress against the trust’s strategic plan and helping to strengthen partnerships across the health and care system”.

Dame Shan said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of the Royal Devon.

“Over the coming months I look forward to continuing to support the organisation, our staff and our communities as we prepare for the next stage of the trust’s development.

“The Royal Devon has strong foundations, exceptional staff and an exciting future. Now is the right time for me to begin the handover to a successor who can lead the trust as it responds to the challenges set out in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.”

Dame Shan started when the RDUH was created, following the merger of the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

The former diplomat and civil servant, who held roles in the Foreign Office, was previously permanent secretary for the Welsh government, according to her LinkedIn profile. She remains the vice chair of the board of trustees for the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

The trust’s chief executive, Sam Higginson, said he was “grateful” for Dame Shan’s leadership and commitment to the trust.

“While this announcement marks the beginning of a succession process, I am pleased that Shan will remain with us until March as we develop our next strategic plan to address the changing nature of health and care that will meet the needs of communities across north and east Devon,” he said.

NHS England states NHS boards play a “key role in shaping the strategy, vision and purpose of an organisation”.

“They hold the organisation to account for the delivery of strategy and ensure value for money,” it adds.

“They are also responsible for assuring that risks to the organisation and the public are managed and mitigated effectively.”

The trust did not respond to a question about whether Dame Shan’s decision was related to the maternity care crisis in North Devon, so it is unclear what has prompted the decision.

Earlier this week, the trust undertook a maternity readiness assessment, with the outcome being that services would still be suspended.

“While the temporary suspension continues all current support arrangements remain in place,” the trust’s website states.

“Women and birthing people should continue to follow their personalised birth plans on the basis of giving birth at the RD&E [in Exeter] or their next nearest hospital.

“Women should continue to contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.”