The chairman of Kingston Hospital’s trust board and council of governors will step down due to a serious illness.

In a statement released by the hospital, Ian Reynolds said he will help recruit his successor.

He said: “I love my job and am very sad to have to stand down at this exciting point in the hospital’s development but, given the situation with my health, I believe it to be the right decision.”

Hospital chief executive Kate Grimes said Mr Reynolds will be “greatly missed” by staff.

She said: “Ian has made a fantastic contribution to the trust and has been instrumental in helping us to achieve our recent authorisation as a foundation trust.”

For a salary of £47,500 a year, the new chairman will be expected to work at least 12 days a month.

The hospital is also looking to hire an official fundraiser, for between £43,634 and £51,483 a year, to maximise charitable income.