IPSWICH Hospital chief executive has resigned from his post to take up the same role at one of the country's leading hospitals.Peter Morris will become the new chief executive at the £180 million South Manchester University Hospitals Trust in June.

IPSWICH Hospital chief executive has resigned from his post to take up the same role at one of the country's leading hospitals.

Peter Morris will become the new chief executive at the £180 million South Manchester University Hospitals Trust in June.

In a statement Mr Morris, who has been chief executive of Ipswich Hospital since May 1998, said it had been a pleasure to work with everyone at the trust.

"There is a strong team spirit and belief in the NHS, which makes it a very progressive and dynamic place," he said.

"I am personally very sad to be leaving the trust but my new role is a challenge and an opportunity I felt I could not turn down.

"I have learnt an enormous amount since coming to Ipswich and have very much valued my team at the trust and will certainly miss all my colleagues," he added.

The South Manchester University Hospital is continuing to expand its services, which includes regional specialities such as heart transplantation and burns.

Peter Bye, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust chairman, said: "Under Peter's excellent leadership, a great deal of progress has been made in this trust over the past four years."

Health chiefs are now faced with the task of appointing a new chief executive to take over Mr Morris' responsibilities at Ipswich Hospital.