A health boss has left his role nine months after he was appointed interim director.

John Coleman was appointed to the leadership team at Noble’s and Ramsey Cottage hospitals in January.

A specialist in helping health trusts and boards tackle change, he was brought in to replace Mike Quinn, who left to take up a senior role in the UK NHS.

His appointment was made on an interim basis, pending the outcome of the independent review of the island’s health and social care system carried out by Sir Jonathan Michael.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’The director of hospitals has left the post. He was brought in as an interim director and it was always the intention for it to be an interim appointment.

’He served out his initial contract which was for six months and he has been serving on an extension since then. It was not and never was a permanent appointment.’

Sir Jonathan’s landmark report, which recommended major reform of the Manx NHS, was unanimously backed by Tynwald in May.

Its key proposal is for the creation of a new delivery organisation for health and social care services, separate from the body which sets policies and priorities.

Mr Ashford said: ’We are now in the process after the approval of the Michael review of setting up the separate delivery organisation of Manx Care which will change the whole management structure in terms of posts and delivery across not just the hospital but the whole department.’

A spokesman for the DHSC said: ’The government is grateful for the contribution made by John Coleman as interim director of hospitals.

’John has moved on to pursue other opportunities and we wish him well for the future.’