THE chairman of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dame Fiona Caldicott, has announced she will be stepping down from her role when her current term ends next March.

Dame Fiona has been chairman of the Trust in its various forms since 2009.

She said: “She said: “I have worked in the NHS for more than half its existence and from my time as a medical student in Oxford – one of only 10 women in an intake of 100 students – much of my career has been spent in this inspirational city.

“It has been both a privilege and an honour to serve as a member of the trust board and I want to take this opportunity to thank every member of staff for striving to achieve compassionate excellence in the care which patients receive. I will miss being part of the trust hugely.”

She was the first ever female President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and she has also been Principal of Somerville College at the University of Oxford and Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

Trust chief executive, Dr Bruno Holthof said: “I would like to thank Dame Fiona for her service to the NHS in Oxford over many years – we are very fortunate to have benefited from her knowledge, wisdom and sound judgement.

"She has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as trust chairman."

The role of chairman will be advertised publicly with the trust recruiting search consultants in order to attract a high calibre of applicants.