THE boss of NHS Harrow and NHS Brent is leaving the two organisations.

Mark Easton has had a roller coaster ride since taking over what was previously known as Harrow PCT, facing fierce criticism over the body's handling of the sudden closure of the Village Surgery, in Pinner.

He was also tasked with the job of bringing its spiralling financial problems under control and responding to the Government decision to abolish PCTs.

He said: “I leave with some sadness as my time here has been the most satisfying of my professional career.

“However, with GP commissioning developing rapidly and the sector getting up to full strength, it’s time to move on.”

He will leave on May 1 and move to Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital to help the trust that runs it pursue foundation status, which will give it more independence from the Government.

Mr Easton said: “At Barnet Chase Farm I face the challenge of finishing a reconfiguration I helped start in 2006, and getting the organisation ready for Foundation Trust status.

“I have worked with some enormously committed and professional managers and clinicians in Brent and Harrow who I will miss.

“I will be keeping a close eye from across the border on how things progress.

“We are currently working on how my role will be covered once I depart, and an announcement will be made shortly.”

Marcia Saunders, chair of NHS Brent and NHS Harrow, said: “Mark has made a huge contribution to Brent over three and a half years, creating and leading an exceptionally strong management team which has turned a failing organisation into one of London’s strongest and in a very short time translating that leadership into Harrow where it is starting to bear fruit.

“I am proud of what Mark has achieved and believe that both organisations have a great deal to thank him for.”