Helen Greatorex to retire later this year

Helen Greatorex, the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust’s (KMPT) chief executive, has this week said that she will retire in the Autumn, following forty years working in mental health services.

She has led KMPT for seven years, playing an active role across Kent and Medway and the newly formed regional Integrated Care Board to improve mental health, learning disability and autism services.

Helen said: “There is never a perfect time to retire, but as I approach my seventh year as CEO, and 40 years in mental health, now is the right time for me and for KMPT. As I look to the future, I am excited that in April we will be launching our renewed organisational strategy for the next three years. It will allow KMPT to respond to the opportunities and challenges ahead, and most importantly continue focusing on delivering brilliant mental health, learning disability and autism services to people living in Kent and Medway. We have a talented and committed executive team and board who will drive this strategy forward, and I look forward to remaining fully focused on executing it with them.”

Dr Jackie Craissati, KMPT’s Chair, added: “Helen has been an inspirational leader and KMPT has seen improved performance and quality of care under her leadership. She has been a huge advocate for KMPT, our people and our service users and we will all feel her departure greatly. The board will now undertake a national search for the next chief executive and continue to work closely with Helen to ensure a smooth transition and further improve the care we deliver to people living across Kent and Medway.”