MICHAEL Parker - chairman of Croydon University Hospital - is resigning after just nine months in his post, the Advertiser can reveal.
Mr Parker's departure, after replacing Brian Phillpott at the helm in March, will make him one of the shortest serving chairmen in the trust's history.
The Advertiser understands Mr Parker is unhappy with the imminent appointment of John Goulston as chief executive and "is resigning before he is pushed".
His position is believed to be backed by the board but not NHS London, who make the appointment.
Sources have told the Advertiser Mr Goulston, currently the interim chief executive, will now be permanently installed.
The resignation is the latest in a series of departures that has dogged the trust while it attempts to deal with a number of failings highlighted in a damning health watchdog report earlier this year.
A spokesman for NHS London said yesterday: "Michael Parker has decided to step down as chair of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.
"We will now begin the process of looking for a successor and an announcement will be made in due course by the NHS Trust Development Authority."
The news also comes as the trust is about to relaunch its bid for foundation status and represents the latest development in a saga of instability at the top.
Former chief executive Nick Hulme stepped down in February, with chairman Mr Phillpott later following suit.
