Blackpool Victoria Hospital's chief executive Wendy Swift to retire

No date has been announced, nor has any replacement.

Ms Swift was appointed director of strategy and deputy chief executive in December 2013, after a previous spell as managing director for community development and transformation.

She was promoted to interim chief executive in February 2016 and given the job permanently in June 2017.

Ms Swift said: “It was always my ambition to work for the NHS for 40 years and after reaching that milestone I have, with mixed emotions, taken the decision to retire to pursue other opportunities.

“I have been very proud and privileged to lead the trust as chief executive and before that as deputy chief executive.

"I have loved my time in the NHS and have worked with many dedicated, devoted and frankly amazing staff during my career. I would like to thank all my colleagues throughout the health community for all their friendship and support. It has been a real pleasure to work with everybody.’’

She added: “I have seen many changes in the NHS particularly on the Fylde coast where I have worked with some extremely forward thinking people committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the people who live and work in this area.

“I have been privileged to play a part in many major developments including the Lancashire Cardiac Centre, new Primary Care facilities, Clifton Hospital and the main entrance at Blackpool Victoria Hospital to name just a few.“What I will miss most is walking around the organisation meeting our fantastic staff and seeing the wonderful care they offer.’’

Pearse Butler, the trust's chairman, added: “Wendy has overseen some huge changes in health care across the Fylde coast and leaves a legacy she should be proud of.

“We have been very fortunate to have Wendy as Chief Executive and she will be missed. I’d like to express the thanks of the trust board to Wendy and wish her well in the future.”

Ms Swift’s tenure, which came amid pressure from the government to make millions of pounds of savings, has also seen the Vic criticised for lengthy A&E waiting times, cancelled appointments, and allegations of neglect.

News of her retirement came as police released a further update on their major investigation into the suspected poisoning of patients at the hospital, though there was no suggestion of a link.

Seven people have now been arrested since the probe began in November, with a separate murder investigation there also underway.

A number of funerals have been cancelled in recent months to allow for a number of post-mortem examinations being carried out on former stroke unit patients.

One, on grandmother Valerie Kneale, 75, uncovered a “suspicious” injury and triggered a murder investigation that is being treated as a independent enquiry, police said.

The four people – a healthcare assistant and three nurses – arrested by the poison probe police on Tuesday – were today released pending further enquiries.