The report was commissioned after a no confidence vote in managers

Steven Price has stood down from his position at the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in Greater Manchester.

He said in a statement: "This is a decision which I have been thinking about for some time."

The trust covers North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall, Bury's Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Last week, it emerged an inquiry had begun at Fairfield after errors were found in heart ultrasound results.

Now is an appropriate time for me to make this announcement Steven Price

Chief executive Chris Appleby indicated he would also be leaving after he has seen through consultations on the trust's future.

The report, by Professor Sir George Alberti and Doctor Joan Durose, made 25 recommendations for change when it was published last November.

It was commissioned by Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority, after consultants and senior doctors passed a vote of no confidence in managers.

'Best step'

In his statement issued on Friday, Mr Price said: "The Alberti report raised issues corporately, which I fully believe that the organisation will address.

"The action plan in response to that report is now with the strategic health authority.

"Having considered the issue, and the comments in the report, I believe that the best step is for me to stand down from the post of chair.

"The consultations on the future of our services have now begun and the next stage of the trust's development is fast coming on us, so now is an appropriate time for me to make this announcement."

Mr Appleby said: "My intention has been to see the trust through the consultations on its future, after which I will be looking to move on."