One of London's best-known chief executives appears to have been left in limbo after a secondment to lead the prison service's healthcare taskforce was cut short and his post at East London and the City health authority filled.

Peter Coe gave a day's notice before taking up the acting post of head of the prison healthcare taskforce on a 'six month secondment' in August. But he was not appointed to the substantive post and is now on sick leave.

Leicester and Rutland Healthcare trust chief executive John Boyington, will take up the post next spring. Until then the taskforce will be led by deputy head Dr Gillian Fairfield.

Former West Hertfordshire HA chief executive Carolyn Regan takes up Mr Coe's previous post at East London and the City HA today. An HA spokesperson said it would 'continue to work with (Mr Coe) to successfully resolve his employment situation'.