THE high-profile medical director of the Belfast health trust has been appointed chief executive of the northern trust.
Dr Tony Stevens joins chief executive Colm Donaghy as the second high-ranking member of the embattled organisation to announce his departure in the past two months.
Since January the Belfast trust has been at the centre of controversies linked to its a&e department - culminating in a devastating watchdog probe that exposed burnt-out staff strugg- ling to cope in a "bullying" culture.
Dr Stevens, who has been in post for seven years, will move to his new job in the summer.
The northern trust has also weathered a storm of negative publicity over patient failings and has been subject to highly critical independent reviews.
The trust, which is responsible for antrim area and Causeway hospitals, has had a "turnaround" team in place over the past year to oversee urgent improvements in a&e care. Northern chief Sean Donaghy resigned from the top post last may.
Health minister Edwin poots said Dr Stevens will be taking on "an exciting, yet demanding role".
"He has vast experience both as a clinician and a health service manager which will be instrumental in his approach to leading the trust in a period of dynamic change," he said.
"He shares my vision of better health and social care and will prioritise its delivery through the continued implementation of Transforming your Care. i wish him every success in his new role."