A hospital financial chief has quit 14 months after taking up the job as an NHS trust continues to struggle financially.

Nick Swift was appointed as chief financial officer at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) in September 2018.

The trust – which runs King George hospital in Ilford – had been placed in financial special measures the same month.

In 2018/19, the trust was operating with a £60 million deficit.

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King George hospital, Ilford. Photo: Google Maps

Earlier this year, BHRUT published a financial plan to deliver £100m of savings over two years.

A BHRUT source said the trust had been making progress in its financial recovery, but not at a suitable pace.

BHRUT interim chief executive, Chris Bown said: “Like many NHS organisations our trust has a long history of poor financial performance. For more than a year we have been working hard to try and change that and deliver high quality care in a way which is sustainable.

“We achieved our financial forecast in 2018/19. Our challenge has been the pace at which we have delivered savings has been slow.

“Nick Swift has decided he should be held to account for this and has decided to resign.

“I am disappointed he has decided to leave, but I respect his decision. I would like to pay tribute to Nick. He is a patient-focused leader who has contributed a great deal to our trust and to the NHS."

In June 2018, the trust - which also runs Queen's hospital - was rated ‘Inadequate’ in ‘productive use of resources’ by the Care Quality Commission in a resources assessment report.

Mr Swift will remain with the trust until February while a search is carried out for his successor.