Norfolk and Suffolk mental health finance boss resigns

Outgoing finance director Andrew Hopkins was praised for his "dedication and commitment"

The finance director of the first mental health trust in England to be put in special measures has resigned.

Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) finance director Andrew Hopkins is leaving at the end of July.

In a letter to staff, Mr Hopkins is quoted as saying funding the service had become "more and more difficult over the last few years" and the trusts faces a "very challenging" position.

The trust, in special measures since February, praised Mr Hopkins' service.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had reported the trust was not a "safe" service.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust is based at Hellesdon Hospital on the outskirts of Norwich

Health trust finance director resigns

In December last year the BBC revealed NHS regulator Monitor was launching an inquiry after concerns were raised over its finances.

A letter sent to staff by Michael Scott, NSFT chief executive, says Mr Hopkins has decided to take a "career break".

In the letter, Mr Scott quotes Mr Hopkins as saying he had been involved in "great developments in mental health services over the past 12 years".

"I feel that now is the right time for me to step aside and for someone else to provide a fresh approach to that challenge," he says.

Michael Scott, NSFT's chief executive, has written to staff about the resignation

Mr Scott said in a statement: "I would like to thank Andrew for the dedication and commitment he has always shown to our trust."

A Campaign to Save Mental Health in Norfolk and Suffolk spokesman said "We are very concerned about the financial viability of NSFT and the uncertainty created by the departure of the finance director. We estimate that NSFT's annual funding shortfall is £30m."

It has also been revealed that Dr Kathy Chapman, director of operations for Norfolk and Waveney, is leaving the trust after being appointed to a "programme manager role" in support of the national clinical director for mental health.

NHS regulator Monitor is helping to support management at the trust to deliver an action plan.

Special measures means a director has been attached to the trust to ensure the improvement plan is carried out.