Trust chairman Guckian steps down a third time

Gerard Guckian told members of the Board yesterday that the meeting would be his last.

Mr Guckian has previously tried to step down from the role on two separate occasions, however remained in post when the Trust was unable to find a replacement.

“This time I know it is for real,” he said, adding that he would be in post for another month and a half.

He said he would like to be reiterate comments he made last year when he paid tribute to the many people he had worked with as chairperson.

However he reserved special words for Chief Executive of the Western Trust Elaine Way and Madonna McGinley of the Office of the Chairman/Chief Executive who he said have “taught him so much.”

“I repeat and multiply my thanks to each of you,” he said.

He said he wasn’t sure if the board members were aware of the challenges that faced them when he first came into post in 2006 however he said they have grown in strength and become united as an organisation.

“There is a dedicated team in the Western Trust,” he said. “The achievements by the people have been inspirational and I know that will not stop, In the future we will see more changes with the opening of the radiotherapy centre. I’ve been honoured to work with people who make things better.