The chief executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn has resigned after two years in charge.

Dorothy Hosein, who took the hospital out of special measures last year, has announced she will leave her position at the end of December.

Her resignation follows that of West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group leader Sue Crossman last week.

Mrs Hosein, who joined the hospital in November 2014, made the announcement at a regular meeting of the trust governors' council yesterday.

She said: 'It has been the most incredible privilege to be the chief executive of this amazing hospital and to have had the opportunity to work alongside our brilliant staff, patient groups, governors, board colleagues and a whole range of partners.

'I have made many friends and also had a huge amount of support for which I am very grateful. We truly have led the way together.'

Last year the hospital was rated as 'requires improvement' by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - ending two years of special measures.

'I feel proud to have been part of the incredible quality improvement we have all been responsible for and the national and local recognition that has followed, including our major achievement of having taken the Trust out of special measures,' Mrs Hosein added. Edward Libbey, chairman of the hospital, said: 'Though Dorothy's leadership and drive for excellence will be sorely missed, it is my express intention to continue with and build upon the excellent work of the last two years.'

'Our mantra has been one of leading the way to excellence and I am sure you will agree we have led the trust a considerable way down this road already.'

A search for Mrs Hosein's successor has already begun.