IPSWICH Hospital's chief executive is to take over the running of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, it can be revealed today.Paul Forden, who has been chief executive of Ipswich hospital for around 18 months is to take over the Norwich hospital from next week following the resignation of its own chief executive Steven Day on May 28.

IPSWICH Hospital's chief executive is to take over the running of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, it can be revealed today.

Paul Forden, who has been chief executive of Ipswich hospital for around 18 months is to take over the Norwich hospital from next week following the resignation of its own chief executive Steven Day on May 28.

Mr Forden said he is likely to be in Norwich for between three and six months until a permanent replacement can be found.

He was asked to take up the position by the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority.

Mr Forden said: "It is a sign of confidence in Ipswich hospital that they can afford to release the chief executive to do this.

"Ipswich has a very clear direction of travel.

"Our plans are to continue to make improvements. The objectives do not change and the vision does not change.

"All that will change is for a temporary period of time the chief executive will be at arms length."

While Mr Forden is in Norwich, the hospital will be run by the present director of finance Chris Dooley who will become acting chief executive.

Mr Forden will be in Ipswich one day a week. He said that this is the first time he has moved to a hospital in these circumstances.

He said: "I am extremely pleased to have been invited to go. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is an outstanding hospital with outstanding staff and we will work to make sure it gets the recognition it deserves."

Mr Forden began his NHS career at Ipswich Hospital in 1993 as Deputy Director of Finance. Two years later, he joined Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge and became Director of Operations in 1998. In 2000 he joined King's College Hospital, London as Director of Finance and Information. The 43-year-old father-of-three rejoined the Ipswich Hospital as chief executive at the end of September 2002.

Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust chairman Christine Smart said: "We are delighted that Paul has been approached to undertake this very important role.

"Paul is confident that the progress that has already been achieved at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital will continue and we wish him every success for the period of this secondment.

"Fortunately we have a strong team that can continue to progress the successful development of Ipswich Hospital during his absence."

Mr Forden will take responsibility as acting Chief Executive from Monday June 14, but will still be making his way back to Suffolk for the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball to help raise money for Disability Care Enterprise on June 25 .

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