Chief executive of Ashworth steps down

Dr Hilary Hodge, chief executive of beleaguered Ashworth Hospital, has stepped down after less than a year in the post, after a formal inquiry led by Dame Fiona Caldicott. Dr Hodge's management style has been heavily criticised by consultant psychiatrists working at the top security hospital in Merseyside. Dame Fiona, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, who was brought in to help settle the matter, last week disclosed to staff that the relationship between Dr Hodge and the team of consultant psychiatrists had …