Wakefield Council has confirmed that Jo Webster, corporate director for adults, health and communities, has “voluntarily stepped aside” from the role. Ms Webster, who is also a chief NHS officer, was appointed to the “joint leadership” position 18 months ago. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with a Digital subscription to Yorkshire Post, you can get access to all of our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.
The council has confirmed a review of the “leadership model” for the adults, health and communities directorate will now be carried out in conjunction with local health chiefs. The development comes ten days after the council said there would be a review into the temporary closure of Hazel Garth care home, in Knottingley. The decision to shut the facility led to an outcry after vulnerable residents, including some with dementia, were told they had to leave the home within 24 hours.
Staff were also given no warning, the GMB union said, and residents had their belongings gathered into bin bags. Advertisement Advertisement Relatives were informed on May 23 that residents would have to move out of the home the following day. Days later, the council issued a statement saying the closure was “temporary” and no jobs were at risk.
Tony Reeves, Wakefield Council’s chief executive, said: “We have decided to carry out a review, in collaboration with Mid Yorkshire Teaching Trust and the (West Yorkshire) Integr.
