Suzanne Rankin, chief executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is leaving her £245,000-a-year post to lead the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS trust, despite overseeing a series of scandals and intense criticism. She will depart in September 2026.
Scandals Under Rankin's Leadership
Since June 2025, the health board has been at level four escalation – a Welsh Government intervention just short of special measures – due to problems including extreme waits for appointments and a high number of never events. In one incident, a patient under general anaesthetic fell from an operating table during gallbladder removal; whistleblowers said the patient was not securely strapped. Earlier, a surgical swab was left in a patient's throat for over 24 hours.
A damning internal report found illegal drug use and potential crimes were tolerated in the operating theatres department, with an atmosphere of fear that prevented staff from speaking up. Three internal reviews over two years revealed systemic failures across the organisation, with one concluding there had been systemic failure at all levels for over a decade.
External Investigations and Staff Anger
External investigators criticised mental health services, calling for new leadership. Whistleblowers reported unauthorised visitors watching operations and an employee avoiding suspension despite being arrested on suspicion of rape. An inquest found patient Donald Gough died after being wrongly injected with insulin due to multiple failings. Another patient, Gareth Idris Johnson, died after maintenance issues led to a post-operative move. A coroner warned of more deaths without urgent action.
Nearly 300 doctors signed a letter accusing the health board of inaction, with staff morale at an all-time low. The hospital's dilapidated condition contributed to Wales losing a vital £8 million cancer facility. A former employee reported a colleague snorting white powder on site; HR said they were aware of confidential issues and the employee later received a promotion. Another employee kept his job after an allegation of exposing himself to a young female colleague was upheld.
New Role and Responses
Rankin, who began her nursing career in the Royal Navy, will become chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS trust, recently rated as requiring improvement for leadership. Rachel Gidman, executive director of people and culture at Cardiff and Vale, thanked Rankin for her leadership and commitment, stating her values shaped by nursing put colleagues and patients at the heart of decision making. The recruitment of a permanent chief executive will proceed over the summer, involving the chair, independent board members, and the chief executive of NHS Wales.
Rankin expressed gratitude for colleagues' professionalism and commitment, acknowledging significant and ongoing challenges. She praised the health board's diversity and expertise as strengths for future successes. The Welsh Government confirmed that Jacqueline Totterdell, director general for health and chief executive of NHS Wales, will be involved in the recruitment process as usual practice.
