Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Jonathan Wade resigns

One of the county’s most prominent health chiefs has resigned amid financial issues and job losses.

Staff have been told that Jonathan Wade will be leaving his chief executive role at Dartford and Gravesham NHS in the summer and Medway NHS Foundation trusts at the end of March.

The two organisations, which run Darent Valley and Medway Maritime hospitals, employ 10,500 people and have a combined annual budget of £1bn.

Last year, Mr Wade’s dual leadership was questioned by politicians, who raised concerns that systemic issues identified by the Care Quality Commission at Medway would not be addressed by having a chief executive with a divided focus.

Then, in February, it was revealed that he would eventually step down at Medway but stay on at Dartford and Gravesham.

News of his departure from Dartford was announced on Friday before an online staff forum for Darent Valley staff to discuss redundancies.

KentOnline understands 400 people could be in line to lose their jobs amid a £40 million financial hole at Darent Valley.

As well as the staff meeting, Mr Wade didn’t attend, as expected, a meeting of Medway Council’s health and adult social care committee on Thursday to discuss the grouping of the two trusts to share resources.

The committee’s chairman, Cllr Dan McDonald (Lab), who only learnt of the health chief’s resignation from Darent Valley the following day, is organising a meeting with the six MPs who represent the 800,000 people covered by the two trusts to discuss the situation.

They, in turn, are hoping to also meet with Health Secretary Wes Streeting over issues regarding the recruitment of a long-term and dedicated boss at the Gillingham hospital.

Mr Wade has worked as chief executive of Dartford and Gravesham since September 2022, having joined the trust in 2020 as director of operations.

He took on the additional role in charge of Medway a year ago - becoming the fourth person in charge there in just six years.

As previously reported, a voluntary resignation scheme was offered to staff in November.

As part of cutbacks, KentOnline understands every ward at Darent Valley will be running one nurse and one healthcare assistant short per shift.

Meanwhile, Medway Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Teresa Murray (Lab), who is also the cabinet member for health, says the authority was caught cold by the announcement.

She said: “I had heard nothing, nobody knew about this. This is quite surprising.

“I had several meetings the week before last, and he assured us that although he was leaving Medway, he said to me that he would be there to support the new chief executive.

“We were very sceptical about the joint chief role and were concerned the responsibilities of two hospitals would be too much for one person, particularly with the challenges which Medway Maritime specifically faces.

“It now looks like the issues we raised, the scale of the challenges, which this role would be, have proven to be correct, and is too much for one person to manage.

“This now means another new chief executive for Medway, with almost as many chief executives across as many years.

“I know the six MPs are trying to arrange a meeting with the Secretary of State to raise this issue and bring it to their attention.

“The existing interim deputy chief, Siobhan Callanan, is staying, and that’s something I’m very glad about.

“It’s not known whether Jonathan will serve his notice because his letter implies he wants to leave as soon as possible.

“The important thing is ensuring continuity for patients and staff, who work very hard, and we have to get this situation working for them.

“We can’t throw up our hands. It is a shock, it is disappointing, but we have to do something about it, and the council and other organisations which partner with the hospitals will be working very hard on it.

It is a shock, it is disappointing, but we have to do something about it

“In particular, we think Medway needs special attention and we will be pressing the NHS to make sure it gets it.”

The recruitment process for two new chief executives has begun.

John Goulston, chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our commitment to treat patients sooner, improve their outcomes, strengthen our culture and make best use of resources remains unchanged.

“Our deputy chief executive will lead the trust to make further progress for patients and staff while we recruit a substantive chief executive.”

In a statement from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Mr Wade said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chief executive and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together for our patients and communities.

“After several years working away from home, I have made the personal decision to return to Norfolk to be closer to my family.

“I remain fully committed to the trust during the coming months and will support the board and colleagues to ensure a smooth transition.”

Trust chair Jackie Craissati said: “Jon has made a significant and lasting contribution to our trust over the past six years.

“He has led the organisation with professionalism, integrity and a strong commitment to our patients, communities and staff.

“While we are naturally sorry to see him leave, we fully understand his decision to return home and spend more time with his family after many years working away.

“On behalf of the board and colleagues across the trust, I would like to thank Jon sincerely for his leadership and dedication, and wish him every success and happiness for the future.”

Medway NHS Trust has also been contacted for comment.

James Devine left the chief executive post there in spring 2021 and his replacement Dr George Findlay departed just over a year later in 2022.

Jayne Black held the role for three years, first as interim, then permanent, before leaving last March 2025 to take over East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.