Mental health trust boss resigns

The boss of a Manchester health trust hit by a wave of strike action has resigned from her £100,000-a-year post.

Sheila Foley sparked a walkout by mental health nurses after she sacked one of their colleagues, union leader Karen Reissmann, last year.

The Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust said Ms Foley had resigned for personal reasons.

Deputy chief executive Tracy Ellery will take over temporarily while a full-time replacement is sought.

Wyn Dignan, Chair, Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, said: "Her decision to resign was a personal one and we would like to thank her for all her hard work through what have been some difficult times for the care trust.

"We are keen to use this as an opportunity to work with the PCT and the city council to find a new permanent chief executive who is able to offer us a long term commitment upon which we can build a solid future for mental health services in Manchester."

She added: "I can assure you that mental health care will not be adversely affected and all services will continue uninterrupted."

Union leader and health nurse Karen Reissmann was suspended for allegedly bringing the health trust into disrepute.

She claimed she was suspended for speaking out against job cuts and government policy.

About 700 Unison members staged a series of strikes over her suspension.

After a six-day disciplinary hearing the trust made the decision to dismiss Ms Reissmann last November.

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