As Bridlington Hospital faces crunch time, chief executive Iain McInnes and two of his senior colleagues have announced they are leaving.

The news comes with two massive decisions about the future of Bridlington Hospital expeced in the next three months and critics have said the departures have thrown the trust into turmoil.

Finance director and deputy chief executive Sandy Hogg has also stepped down along with Jason Brine, the non-executive chairman of the trust board's audit committee.

Mr McInnes says he has a new job within the NHS but its details have not been revealed.

However, the Free Press understands there are allegations that a report had been signed off by Mr McInnes without going through the proper procedures.

Mr McInnes said: "These are serious allegations and they will be fully investigated by the trust's Audit Committee, with the process overseen by the Strategic Health Authority."

With regard to Ms Hogg's resignation, he replied: "We have noted her resignation."

The bombshell was announced with a decision imminent on whether maternity services at Bridlington Hospital will be moved to Scarborough.

And an independent panel is in the middle of a consultation about controversial plans to shut the town's cardiac unit.

Both were moves put forward by the departing chief executive.

In a statement issued to staff last Wednesday, said:"Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust has faced serious challenges in recent years.

"Last year the Trust achieved financial balance creating a small surplus, and achieved the majority of its key performance targets to the credit of all our staff.

"I shall be moving on to a new position but I'm pleased that the trust is now heading in the right direction with a clear plan to provide high quality care for local people whilst addressing historic financial issues.

"We have to build on that successful year to move forward as an organisation and ensure that in partnership with our commissioning PCTs we can deliver clinically safe and appropriate care for our local population within affordable resources.

"Staff at the trust are working closely with NHS Yorkshire and Humber to continue this work and I wish them all the very best."

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