East Lancashire NHS Hospitals Trust chief quits

Mark Brearley, who has overseen the troubled Trust since May 2011, announced he was standing down with immediate effect.

Mr Brearley had been at the helm as the Trust was put in “special measures” following the damning Keogh Report earlier this year which found major failings in the way it was run.

Calls were made for Mr Brearley to resign in October after a Care Quality Commission report found serious failings with the Accident and Emergency Department at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The news of his departure, which was announced on Friday, prompted mixed reaction. Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle was shocked at the resignation but former MP Peter Pike believed Mr Brearley had lost the confidence of the people.

Acting Trust chairman Martin Hill thanked Mr Brearley for his dedication and leadership in the role. Director of finance Jonathan Wood will be appointed as acting chief executive in the £150,000 a year role.