THE chairman of an NHS trust in charge of Bury's Fairfield Hospital which was heavily criticised in an independent report last year has resigned.

Steven Price stood down from his position at the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in Greater Manchester on Friday reports BBC Manchester.

He said in a statement: "This is a decision which I have been thinking about for some time."

The trust covers Fairfield, North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall,Rochdale Infirmary and the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Last week, it emerged an inquiry had begun at Fairfield after errors were found in heart ultrasound results.

Chief executive Chris Appleby indicated he would also be leaving after he has seen through consultations on the trust's future.

The report, by Professor Sir George Alberti and Doctor Joan Durose, made 25 recommendations for change when it was published last November.

It was commissioned by Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority, after consultants and senior doctors passed a vote of no confidence in managers.

In his statement issued on Friday, Mr Price said: "The Alberti report raised issues corporately, which I fully believe that the organisation will address.

"The action plan in response to that report is now with the strategic health authority.

"Having considered the issue, and the comments in the report, I believe that the best step is for me to stand down from the post of chair.

"The consultations on the future of our services have now begun and the next stage of the trust's development is fast coming on us, so now is an appropriate time for me to make this announcement."

Mr Appleby said: "My intention has been to see the trust through the consultations on its future, after which I will be looking to move on."

In November it was reported the inquiry found the pressure of reaching national targets, combined with questionable leadership styles, was proving a "lethal mixture" within the Trust which runs the hospital.

The inquiry was launched after more than 200 senior medics voted in favour of a "no confidence" motion, claiming targets had taken priority over patient care and communication between management and staff had broken down.

Sir George, with Dr Joan Durose, spoke to more than 150 staff employed by the trust.

The report singled out the Mr Appleby, describing him as a leader but with a style of leadership that "has caused difficulties", while it said Mr Price and medical director Dr Roger Glew had "not demonstrated their role as leaders".

Dr Glew left the Trust earlier this year and Sir George wrote in his report that a strong successor is needed who will work closely with colleagues to have them more involved in decision-making.

The report, which included 25 recommendations to strengthen the Trust and improve relations between managers, doctors and trade unions, called for a medical advisory committee to be set up immediately.

It also highlighted several key issues raised by staff, including lack of training support, low morale and the use of locums and agencies, which was described as "questionable".

The Trust was formed in April, 2002, by a merger of four existing health trusts employing around 9,500 people.

In July last year, after months of strained relations, the trade union and hospital consultants declared a double vote of "no-confidence" in the executive directors.