Dr Gerry McSorley quits as Northampton hospital chief

The chief executive of a hospital that could be merged with a neighbouring NHS trust has announced his resignation.

Dr Gerry McSorley said he had taken the "difficult personal decision" to leave Northampton General Hospital following the start of "partnership talks" with Kettering General Hospital.

He said the move to explore closer links was "desirable and essential".

Dr McSorley, who will step down in March, said the talks could lead to a full merger of the trusts.

His announcement came as it emerged talks were taking place over the future of the hospitals.

'Desirable and essential'

"I have had to make a difficult personal decision on the future," he said.

"I think that it is both desirable and essential for the hospitals to undertake this work.

"However, as a result, I have made the decision to leave my post at the beginning of March."

Earlier this month, three Northamptonshire MPs joined forces in an attempt to protect services at Kettering General Hospital.

Conservative MPs Peter Bone and Philip Hollobone linked up with Labour's Andy Sawford for the campaign.

In-patient paediatrics, obstetrics, accident and emergency services are all under threat at the Kettering hospital.