Crawley Hospital's A&E unit closed in August 2004

Adrian Brown's exit from the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs hospitals in Crawley and Redhill, comes as it faces a �15m deficit.

Last month the chief executive of the trust, Ken Cunningham, announced he was on "agreed leave".

The trust underwent controversial changes to its accident and emergency services last year.

I feel that with other changes that are taking place within the trust this is an appropriate moment for me to step down Adrian Brown, former chairman

It closed A&E services at Crawley Hospital and combined them with services at Redhill, sparking a 15,000-name petition.

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "I have chaired the trust board during a difficult period that included the complete reconfiguration of acute services in this part of Surrey and Sussex.

"I believe we have achieved much over the past two years and I am proud to have served my local community.

"I feel that with other changes that are taking place within the trust this is an appropriate moment for me to step down."

The trust's vice-chairman, Robin Eve, will take over the chairmanship of the trust board pending the appointment of an interim chairman.

The NHS Appointments Commission will advertise for a permanent replacement for Mr Brown in due course.