YORK Health Services NHS Trust is looking for a new chief executive following the resignation of Simon Pleydell.

Mr Pleydell, 44, will be returning to South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, where he was director of planning between 1991 and 1997, to take up the post of chief executive in September.

The father-of-two joined York Health Services NHS Trust in January 2000 from East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust where he was also chief executive.

Professor Alan Maynard, chairman of York Health Services NHS Trust, which runs York Hospital, said: "We will be sorry to see Simon go, but recognise that this is a significant promotion for him.

"He has provided the organisation with excellent leadership through a very challenging time.

"He has led a team which has successfully met a range of ambitious performance targets and has steered the organisation to achieve three star status in 2002.

"On behalf of all staff in the trust I would like to wish Simon all the very best in his new role at South Tees." John Foster, chairman of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "I am delighted to welcome Simon back to South Tees. He has a wealth of experience in the NHS, and he is committed to improving and modernising the health service in patients' interests."

Current chief executive Bill Murray officially retires on October 31, but will take four weeks leave during October.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, March 29, 2003