The chief executive of Norfolk and Suffolk's struggling mental health trust has resigned from a key role he held for the past four months.

Stuart Richardson, chief executive of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, was appointed as a partner member of the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) when it was established in July to oversee the region's health and social care system.

However, it was announced at the latest meeting of the ICB that Mr Richardson has resigned.

Patricia Hewitt, who chairs the ICB, said: "Stuart Richardson has stepped down from the board, as colleagues will understand, to focus on his role as chief executive NSFT.

"We will continue to work very closely with Stuart in that role and thank him for what he has done on the board." 

Mr Richardson will be replaced in his role by Stephen Collman, chief executive of the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, who will represent the interests of both community foundations and mental health on the board.