Three people have stepped down from the board of Derriford hospital over the appointment of a new chairman.

Former chief constable of Leicestershire police Richard Crompton was appointed as the new non executive chair by the appointments commission - he has described the role as an honour and says he is looking forward to using his experience working with different partners.

But acting chair Peter Burroughs, and other members David Pond and Lee Paschalides stepped down, expressing their disappointment over the process used to appoint a new chairman.

Vice-Chair of the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Board,Margaret Schwarz, has said they are extremely saddened to see the three step down, but will welcome the new Chairman in August and continue with their agenda to improve services and become an NHS Foundation Trust.