Not a frontline role says Minister
The health minister says there has been some 'confusion' over the departure of the chief nurse at Noble's Hospital.
It was confirmed last week that the role would be vacated as part of a management shake-up aimed at reducing spending.
The announcement prompted questions over how it could affect frontline services.
David Ashford says the chief nurse's role was never an operational one, but rather that of a managerial 'spokesperson', which was only introduced four years ago.
He says discussions are continuing with healthcare staff:

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