The chairman of the Whittington Hospital has resigned to spend more time caring for his ageing parents in Ireland.

Joe Liddane announced his resignation as chairman of Whittington Health, the body that runs the hospital in Magdala Avenue, Highgate, today.

He has been on leave for the last three months to enable him to care for his elderly parents in Ireland.

Mr Liddane said: “I have been honoured to be chairman of the trust since early November 2007.

“The organisation has come a long way during that time with many successes including the integration with Islington and Haringey community health services in 2011.

“The management and staff can be proud of the trust’s safety record, which makes the organisation one of the safest in the country.

“Whittington Health has changed greatly over the past six years and will continue to do so, as it adjusts to the needs of the local population and the wider NHS.

“It has been a great pleasure to be part of that journey.

“Reluctantly, having spent most of the past eight weeks with my 90+-year-old parents, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot dedicate the necessary time and focus to the affairs of Whittington Health while at the same time supporting them.”

Whittington chief executive, Dr Yi Mien Koh, said: “I have really enjoyed working with Joe.

“He has devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to the organisation, for which we are extremely grateful.

“His experience and knowledge has been invaluable and his leadership will be greatly missed.”

Over coming weeks the NHS Trust Development Authority, the organisation responsible for appointing chairs and non-executives of NHS trusts, will begin the process of appointing Mr Liddane’s successor.

Robert Aitken, Whittington Health’s deputy chairman, will continue as acting chairman in the meantime.