The managing director of a hospital that was ranked the country’s worst in a league table last year is stepping down after spending just five months in the job.
Michelle Arrowsmith joined the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn in Norfolk in January, saying she wanted to help improve local healthcare services and deliver high-quality care for patients.
However, hospital leaders have confirmed she will leave next week, in a move bosses acknowledged could “raise understandable questions.”
No reason has been given for Ms Arrowsmith’s departure.
She will be replaced by Jo Segasby, who is currently the deputy chief executive and chief delivery officer of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group.
Hospital bosses say there will be no impact on patient care.
The West Norfolk hospital was rated the worst performing NHS Trust in England, out of 134 trusts in September 2025, according to NHS England statistics.
Prof Lesley Dwyer, chief executive of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group. Credit: ITV News Anglia
Lesley Dwyer, chief executive of the hospital group, said: “Importantly, there is no change to clinical services, and patient safety and quality of care remain our absolute priorities.”
In a letter shared by North East Cambridgeshire MP and former Health Secretary Steve Barclay, Ms Dwyer said the leadership change comes as the hospital looks to strengthen its recovery plans and continue improving services.
“The challenges facing The QEH remain, and sustained improvement depends on strong, stable leadership and the right support being in place,” she wrote.
Mr Barclay said he would be meeting hospital leaders to discuss the future of services, particularly at the North Cambridgeshire Hospital in Wisbech.
North East Cambridgeshire MP and former Health Secretary Steve Barclay Credit: PA
He said he wanted to continue making the case for more treatments and services to be delivered locally rather than patients having to travel to larger hospitals.
The Wisbech site currently provides services including minor injury treatment, physiotherapy, blood tests, palliative care and specialist outpatient clinics.
Responding to questions about the change, Ms Dwyer said she understood people may have concerns.
“I recognise that changes in leadership can raise understandable questions for patients, staff and the local community,” she said.
“My focus is on supporting staff and ensuring that patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care while we continue the recovery work already under way at The QEH.”
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