The former operations manager of Richmond Foundation, Holger Saliba, has described the removal of Dolores Gauci from her post as head of community mental health services as “insensible”.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Saliba expressed his disappointment, adding that the move was a “big blow to the local mental health services”.

Ms Gauci, who was formerly the chief executive officer of Richmond Foundation (and not a founder, as incorrectly reported yesterday) was informed she would not be retained by the Health Ministry at the end of a one-year probation period that expired yesterday.

She had been engaged as CEO of Mount Carmel Hospital in April last year. Then, six months into her job, she was controversially replaced by Labour candidate and former Msida mayor Clifton Grima.

Instead, Ms Gauci was appointed chief operations officer responsible for community mental health.

Mr Saliba said he had worked closely with Ms Gauci for five years at the foundation and could vouch for her competence and passion towards the field.

“Moreover, she is a leader. She is not easy to substitute.

“I urge your kind self to reconsider and even reverse this decision. This sector (and the whole health sector) needs leaders,” he said.