The chairman and chief executive of Medway Maritime Hospital are both leaving, it has been announced.

Denise Harker and Mark Devlin announced their joint departure from the troubled Gillingham hospital today.

A Medway NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said they have "decided that the time is right for them to move on and hand over the leadership of the trust to a new team".

The hospital was placed in special measures last year following the Keogh report into high death rates.

Trust chairman Denise Harker said: "We have some amazing and dedicated staff at this Trust and I am proud to have worked with them.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board members, trust members and governors for their tremendous support and encouragement."

Mr Devlin said: "After four years as chief executive I feel this is the right moment to move on and encourage a new leadership to build on what's been achieved and take the trust forward into its next phase.

"It's been a real privilege to work with everyone in Team Medway."

Colin Wilby, the trust's senior independent director, said: "On behalf of the trust board and governors, I would like to thank Mark and Denise for their dedication and integrity.

"Their commitment to public service is indisputable and we wish them both every success in the future."

The succession arrangements for the chairman and chief executive are expected to be announced next month.

A trust spokesman said: "Denise and Mark will work with their successors to achieve a smooth transition and handover of leadership."