THE chief executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Trust will step down at the end of the month.

Patrick Crowley, who was appointed to the role in 2007, is set to retire.

He joined the organisation in 1991 and held a number of board-level roles before becoming chief executive.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Patrick has given most of his working life to the NHS and in particular to healthcare here in York and North Yorkshire and has led the trust through some of the most significantly challenging times that the health service has faced.

“Above and beyond all else Patrick has distinguished himself as an advocate of the patient; throughout his career and particularly during times of pressure he has ensured that patient focus remains the priority of our trust.

“He has championed the cause of the staff who work in the service and was proud to lead the trust to paying the Living Wage to its lowest paid staff in 2015, despite that being at a time of extreme economic distress in the service.

"Positive clinical and staff engagement at all levels has always been an important element of Patrick’s leadership approach at the trust.

“We wish Patrick all the very best for the future and thank him for his many years of service, support and leadership. Patrick leaves the trust after a distinguished career in the service of both the people of York and North Yorkshire and our National Health Service.”

In August 2017 Mr Crowley told the trust's executive board and senior managers that the hospital was set to run out of cash.

Mike Proctor, deputy chief executive, will take over Mr Crowley's role while the trust begins the process of recruiting a new chief executive in the summer.