South Tees FT chief executive steps down to 'develop next stage of my career'

He said in a statement: “This has been a difficult decision for me but I have decided to step down to develop the next stage of my career in the NHS, either on a regional or national basis.”

Under his leadership the trust has been recognised for significant achievements in service quality and safety. It was named a major trauma centre for the southern part of the northern region and has seen a £35m cancer services redevelopment.

In 2008 it won the HSJ Acute Trust of the Year award.

Mr Pleydell said in a statement: “I am extremely proud of what the organisation has achieved during this period, the values we have, and how we have responded to the challenges we face.

“This is an opportunity for the organisation to refresh its leadership so that it can move into the next chapter of its history with equal energy and commitment to the quality patient care we provide.”