BREAKING: "Interim" chairman for Croydon hospital announced after current chairman resigns

AN "INTERIM" chairman for Croydon University Hospital has been appointed following "concerns" over its governance.

The appointment comes after news of current chairman Michael Parker's resignation revealed by the Croydon Advertiser today, which will see him step down on December 31.

Mr Parker's departure, after replacing Brian Phillpott at the helm earlier this year, makes him one of the shortest serving chairmen in the trust's history – something described as "unprecedented".

The Advertiser can today reveal that Mr Parker has been "asked" to resign by NHS London after mounting opposition to the decision to install John Goulston as chief executive of the hospital permanently. Mr Goulston is currently only "interim" chief executive.

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NHS London this morning said the reason for Mr Parker's departure was due to "concerns" over Croydon hospital's governance. They also announced the new interim chairman.

A spokesman said: "Following concerns around governance at Croydon [hospital], the NHS Trust Development Authority has appointed Mike Bell, currently vice chair at NHS London Strategic Health Authority, as interim chair with effect from January 2, 2013.

"This follows the announcement that the current chair Michael Parker has resigned and will end his tenure on December 31 this year."

Mr Bell will also undertake a review of governance which will decide who is appointed the trust's next chief executive.

But the Advertiser understands the decision to make Mr Goulston permanently chief executive has already been made.

The Advertiser also understands Mr Parker is resigning after becoming unhappy at the decision to install Mr Goulston. As a result, he has been "asked" to resign.

A source said: "He is resigning before being pushed". "This is unprecedented," they added.

The resignation forms the latest in a saga of instability at the top which has dogged the trust as it struggles to address failings highlighted in a damning health watchdog report earlier this year, which found lives were being put at risk.

Former chief executive Nick Hulme stepped down in February, with former chairman Mr Phillpott following suit just weeks later.