HEALTH boss Anne-Marie Dean has left the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust which runs Darent Valley Hospital. She has been off sick since early October and has announced her departure after six years in charge.

Spokesman Glyn Oakley said Mrs Dean had chosen not to share her reasons for leaving with colleagues. But the move comes just weeks after the trust hit the headlines as the worst in the country, failing to gain a single star in Government performance ratings.

Colleague Dr John Thurston, who leads the flagship PFI hospital's A&E department, said: "I think Mrs Dean was handed a poisoned chalice - the hospital has never been big enough." But he added: "The new hospital would never have got off the ground if it was not for her."

Both Dartford and Gravesham's MPs agreed the trust needed a fresh vision to transform Darent Valley into a top hospital. Dartford's Dr Howard Stoate called for someone with the experience, ideas and energy needed to take the trust forward to fill the vacant post.

Gravesham MP Chris Pond said: "Her resignation does not come as a great surprise. It is clear that Darent Valley needs a fresh start and new leadership."

In a brief statement, Mrs Dean, said: "After 24 years at this trust and having completed the new hospital building project and established the organisation in the new environment, this is a natural time to think about moving on."

Sarah Dunnett, who was only made trust chairman in the summer, will take control as part of a management team until a replacement is found. It is not known exactly when a new chief executive will be appointed.