Director of hospital services Mike Quinn has resigned.

His resignation comes as the Noble’s Hospital management faces continuing criticism over waiting lists, claims of a beds shortage, and the controversial suspension of private patient services.

Last week, a leading hospital consultant won a legal challenge against his unlawful exclusion from doing NHS work at Noble’s and was awarded £36,000 costs.

But Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford insisted that Mr Quinn’s resignation was a personal decision unconnected with recent events - and the Noble’s boss was leaving to take up a senior role in the UK NHS.

He said: ’I can confirm that two to three weeks ago the director of hospitals Mike Quinn tendered his resignation.

’He will be taking up a senior management role in the UK NHS.

He will be leaving Noble’s in mid-January after working his notice.

’Obviously until then he remains fully committed to the hospital’s modernisation programme and helping us with any other changes we bring forward.’

Mr Quinn said he had thoroughly enjoyed his last two-and-a-half years working at Noble’s and it had been a difficult decision to take but the opportunity had presented itself for him to return to the UK and be closer to his family.

The Minister added: ’On a professional note I would like to thank him for all he has done.

’He has revolutionised parts of the hospital including the introduction of a discharge lounge and altering the way we monitor bed vacancies throughout the hospital.

’I can categorically state that his resignation has nothing to do with recent events. It’s a personal decision. He’s not been forced out. Personally I am sad to see him go.’

Responding to claims of a beds crisis at Noble’s, Mr Ashford said: ’There is no issue with beds.

’There are vacant beds not just at one point in time but throughout the day.

’The run rate shows that at any one time there are a minimum of five medical beds available.

’In fact the average has now further increased to eight this month.

’We have more acute beds per head of population than England. ’

The minister added: ’Unfortunately it seems there are some who just are not willing to believe the actual facts on the ground.’