THE boss of the NHS trust that runs the Countess of Chester Hospital has confirmed he is stepping down from his role.

In a statement, Tony Chambers said recent times had been “particularly challenging” and specifically mentioned the ongoing police investigation into baby deaths at the neonatal unit.

Dr Susan Gilby, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, has now taken the reins.

Mr Chambers said: “It has been a huge privilege to be the chief executive of Countess of Chester Hospital for the past six years.

“Recent times have been particularly challenging for the hospital not least of which is the ongoing police investigation into an increase in mortality rates in our neonatal unit.

“My thoughts will continue to be with the bereaved families as they await the outcome of the police investigation.

“I have now decided to step aside to allow the trust to focus on its future and for me to explore new opportunities and the next stage of my career.”

The hospital trust’s chairman Sir Duncan Nichol said: “After six years’ service to the trust, Tony Chambers has decided to step aside as chief executive officer. We thank him for his hard work and wish him all the best in the rest of his career.

“I have asked Dr Susan Gilby, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer to be the Acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.”

The healthcare worker arrested on suspicion of killing babies remains on police bail – almost three months after she was released without charge.

She had been arrested on Tuesday, July 3, on suspicion of murdering eight babies and attempting to kill a further six at the hospital’s neonatal unit between March 2015 and July 2016.

On July 6 police released a statement which said: “Cheshire Police can confirm that the woman arrested on Tuesday 3 July has now been bailed pending further enquiries.

“We continue to recognise that this investigation has a huge impact on all of the families, staff, and patients at the hospital as well as members of the public.

“Parents of all the babies continue to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.

“This investigation is very much ongoing and there are no set timescales at this stage but as soon as we are able to provide any further updates we will do.”

Detectives have been probing the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses at the Countess since May last year.

The incidents were said to have taken place between March 2015 and July 2016.