Western Trust Chief Executive announces retirement

Speaking to staff today (Wednesday) Dr Anne Kilgallen said: “I want you to know that I plan to retire this summer and having just celebrated my sixtieth birthday I know that the time is right to do so.

“My retirement may still be some months away but I felt it important to maintain openness in how we as an organisation communicate. We will soon commence a process to recruit my successor and I have no doubt that someone very good will take up the reins into the future. I will brief you further on this when I have more detail.

Dr. Kilgallen has been Chief Executive since 2017 and she said she was "privileged to have had the opportunity to lead and work" with Trust staff.

"While we have endured unprecedented challenges together in recent times, it has also been inspiring to see such amazing commitment and ingenuity shine through from all parts of our Trust.

“This period has also further enabled us to develop differently, working more closely than ever across our directorates and teams, and in doing so I believe that we have progressed for the better as an Organisation.

“Today, however, what matters to me is that you know that I will continue to lead and support you with all my energy; that together we will continue to focus on our patients and clients and their families, strong in our resolve to always deliver the best care we can and with compassion.

“Thank you and stay safe!”

Speaking on the retirement of the Western Trust Chief Executive, Dr Anne Kilgallen, DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I want to wish Dr Anne Kilgallen well for the future and in her retirement. Throughout her time in the Western Trust, I have always been appreciative of Dr Kilgallen’s insight and knowledge of our hospitals, staff and patient matters.

"Anne was always available to deal with issues and responsive to matters raised. I thank her for her dedication, especially during this difficult year and send my best wishes for the future.”