THE boss of NHS Harrow and NHS Brent is leaving the two organisations for a new role at Barnet and Chase Farm hospitals.

Mark Easton has had a roller coaster ride since taking over what was previously known as Harrow PCT, facing fierce criticism over the body's handling of the sudden closure of the Village Surgery, in Pinner.

He was also tasked with the job of bringing its spiralling financial problems under control and responding to the Government decision to abolish PCTs.

He said: “I leave with some sadness as my time here has been the most satisfying of my professional career.

“However, with GP commissioning developing rapidly and the sector getting up to full strength, it’s time to move on.”

He will leave on May 1 and move to Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital to help the trust pursue foundation status, which will give it more independence from the Government.

Mr Easton said: “At Barnet Chase Farm I face the challenge of finishing a reconfiguration I helped start in 2006, and getting the organisation ready for Foundation Trust status.

“I have worked with some enormously committed and professional managers and clinicians in Brent and Harrow who I will miss.

“I will be keeping a close eye from across the border on how things progress.

“We are currently working on how my role will be covered once I depart, and an announcement will be made shortly.”