Tony Andrews (left) and Jeffrey Prosser are leaving this summer

Jeffrey Prosser, chairman of King's Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust since December 2000, said it was time for a new style of leadership.

Tony Andrews said he felt the trust needed a chief executive with proven, exceptional financial leadership.

A trust spokesman said discussions were under way regarding future management arrangements of the trust.

I have decided to leave the organisation because, in the short term, I feel the trust needs a chief executive with proven, exceptional, financial leadership Chief executive Tony Andrews

Mr Andrews, who joined as chief executive in 2004, will step down at the end of July.

"I have decided to leave the organisation because, in the short term, I feel the trust needs a chief executive with proven, exceptional, financial leadership," he said.

He added the hospital had made significant improvements to patient services over the past year, despite a difficult financial situation.

Mr Prosser said he had enjoyed five years as chairman and seen many improvements in patient care from a dedicated and committed staff during that time.

He said the hospital was now facing tough financial and performance-driven challenges.

"On reflection I feel the time is right for a new style of leadership to be brought into the hospital and for me to step down as chairman."

He will leave at the end of August.