Chester hospital chief executive resigns amid baby deaths inquiry

Tony Chambers said it had been a "particularly challenging" time as he stepped down

The chief executive of a hospital where an investigation into the deaths of babies is taking place has resigned.

Tony Chambers said it had been a "particularly challenging" time at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as he stepped down.

There is no suggestion that his resignation is linked to developments in the police inquiry.

The hospital has been at the centre of an investigation into a series of baby deaths at its neonatal unit.

A nurse arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies at the hospital was released on bail in July.

Lucy Letby was also held on suspicion of the attempted murder of another six babies.

Cheshire Constabulary launched its investigation in May 2017.

Police will focus on eight unexplained deaths at the neonatal unit between June 2015 and July 2016

The trust had contacted the force in relation to a greater number of baby deaths and collapses than normally expected between June 2015 and June 2016.

Mr Chambers, who has been at the helm for six years, said: "It has been a huge privilege to be the chief executive of Countess of Chester Hospital for the past six years.

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"Recent times have been particularly challenging for the hospital not least of which is the ongoing police investigation into an increase in mortality rates in our neonatal unit.

"My thoughts will continue to be with the bereaved families as they await the outcome of the police investigation.

"I have now decided to step aside to allow the trust to focus on its future and for me to explore new opportunities and the next stage of my career."

Hospital chairman Sir Duncan Nichol, said: "We thank him for his hard work and wish him all the best in the rest of his career."