THE chief executive of Kemp Hospice in Kidderminster has quit unexpectedly - just two months after it officially opened its new building.

Michael Rowan left when "differences" with the charity's board of trustees arose over developments, according to a statement from the hospice.

Keith Dallason, one of the trustees, is to stand down from the board and take over as interim chief executive for 12 months while a full-time replacement is found. The statement said Mr Rowan left on Friday by mutual agreement.

"I am sorry to be leaving," Mr Rowan said, "I handed in my resignation, under the terms of my contract."

The 55-year-old, who lives in the Kidderminster area with his Finnish wife, took over the post in May, 2002 after arriving from an academic post at a university in Finland. He said he still had a home in Finland and tenure at the university and would be considering his next move.

"The target was to relocate the hospice on a firm financial footing for the future and it gives me great personal satisfaction to have done that," he said. "I met some great people and I think everyone in the community and the staff and volunteers at the hospice have done a fantastic job."

Mr Rowan steered the £2.2 million move from Sutton Park Road to the former Cedars Hotel in Mason Road. It was formally completed in August, when Sir Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry and a keen supporter, opened the facility, which offers day-care facilities for 15 people with life-threatening conditions and their families.

It costs £500,000 a year to run, with 15 per cent coming from the NHS and the rest from the people of Wyre Forest and beyond through fund-raising events.

Trustees chairman, Isobel Dale, said she wished Mr Rowan well in his next move.

"It's always sad when these sorts of situations arise," said Mrs Dale, who took over the chair in 2004. "He served Kemp well for the past three years and we are particularly grateful for the pivotal role he played."

She said the hospice was "really lucky" to have Mr Dallason to call on at short notice.

Keith puts gardening on hold to take helm

THE new chief of Kemp Hospice has left behind the DIY and the garden at his home in Cleobury Mortimer and gone back to his old job.

Keith Dallason retired from his post as director of St Helena Hospice in Colchester, Essex, three years ago after 15 years, when he moved north to be nearer one of his daughters.

His wife, Sue, joined Kemp as a volunteer, however, and he was appointed to the board of trustees earlier this year. Now he finds himself back in charge of a large voluntary-based organisation.

"I certainly didn't expect to be doing this again," said the 59-year-old, who has a wide range of health care experience after starting nursing at 18.

"I have retained a personal interest in palliative care and my experience makes me quite comfortable about stepping in at such short notice. I think Kemp has enormous potential."

Mr Dallason, who has two daughters and four grandchildren, said his plan had been to retire and buy a house with a large garden to work on.

"I am in this job for 12 months so I'm afraid the garden will now have to wait," he said.