Stafford Hospital scandal boss back in work at Shropshire charity
The former boss of scandal-hit Stafford Hospital has landed a new job in Shropshire as the chief executive of a county health charity.
Martin Yeates led Stafford Hospital as chief executive for four years, during which time hundreds of 'excess' patient deaths came to light.
But, during an inquiry into failings in standards of care there, Mr Yeates did not give evidence in person due to stress-related illness, with his solicitor claiming his client 'would probably never work again'.
Now he has been named as the boss of Shropshire health charity Impact Alcohol and Addiction Services.
News of his new role has angered families who lost loved ones at Stafford Hospital.
He walked away with £80,000 in notice pay and a six-figure pension lump sum after resigning in 2009, then said he was too ill to be questioned about the scandal at a public inquiry, which is due to report in January.
Impact has been providing alcohol and addiction help in Shropshire since 2000 and recently moved to new offices in Madeley.
Neither Mr Yeates or the charity was available to comment today. It is believed he started his new role in August.
Julie Bailey, of the Cure The NHS campaign group said: "We're really disappointed and devastated for the relatives. He's never given evidence to the inquiry in person because of illness and now all of a sudden, he's working again."
Gerald Dakin, chairman of Shropshire Council's healthy scrutiny committee, said: "I would have thought if he is fit enough to work now, there are some outstanding questions he should be answering. But that is a matter for the area Stafford Hospital serves rather than Shropshire."
