THE medical director of the body which decides where most NHS cash is spent will not return to her post, it was confirmed last night.

The Oxford Mail yesterday reported Dr Mary Keenan had gone on a secondment to carry out technology research with Oxford University.

She was among the top managers at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group when it was set up under an NHS shake-up last April.

No further details have been made available about her departure, but the CCG has now released a memo to staff.

The memo from interim chief executive Ian Wilson said: “I am writing to let you know that Mary Keenan is happily much better following her absence from work and, having reflected on the direction she would like her career to develop, has decided to take up a secondment to Oxford University where she will be undertaking research into how technology can be used to benefit patients, starting on May 1, 2014.

“I have agreed that Mary can start her secondment as soon as her period of leave ends and therefore she will not be returning to the CCG.”

He went on: “Mary was one of the founding directors of the CCG during its shadow year and I am sure you will all join me in expressing our thanks to her for all her hard work and commitment to Oxfordshire CCG and best wishes for the future.”

No further details were available.

Chief executive Dr Stephen Richards stepped down in October due to the demands of the job. David Smith takes on the post in June.