Redbridge hospitals are leaderless with the shock announcement that the chairman has quit after only six months in the job.

Sir David Varney took in January the top job at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Now it is unclear how much of the work has been done which he said was necessary to raise standards at the Trust.

He is gone with half of his one year contract left to go.

The Trust told the Guardian Series that Sir Varney will not receive a cash payment upon his departure from the post.

“Sir David leaves the Trust in a strong position to improve our services and the quality of our patient care in a challenging financial climate” said Trust chief executive, John Goulston.

He praised the work done by interim chairman Sir Varney.

“Since January, we have seen improvements in our staffing, clinical leadership and real achievements” said Goulston.

“We are making good progress in improving the patient experience. Challenges from our historic and current deficit remain.”

The post vacated by Sir Varney shall be filled from July 1 by non-executive director, Barbara Liggins.