THE HEADS of a struggling NHS trust are to stand down next year.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Gillian Fairfield and chairman Antony Kildare will be replaced by their counterparts at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust.

Brighton and Sussex has been placed in special measures for both care and finances and recently revealed it was heading for a £60m deficit at the end of March.

It was branded inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection earlier this year.

Western Sussex was given an outstanding rating by CQC inspectors this year and is forecasting a surplus of more than £3m.

Over the next six months Brighton and Sussex will be getting support from its neighbour as it works to come out of special measures.

Western Sussex chief executive Marianne Griffiths and chairman Mike Viggers will continue to work at their own trust but will also take on the same roles at Brighton and Sussex from April 1.

Mrs Fairfield's position had always been temporary and Mr Kildare was acting chairman.

Health bosses have stressed the move is not a merger between the two trusts and they will continue to work as separate bodies.

In a message to staff Mrs Fairfield said: "Trusts in special measures across the NHS have benefited from forming close partnerships with successful neighbouring trusts and it is hoped that we will be able to benefit from working with Western, which is one of only five trusts in England to be rated outstanding by the CQC.

"The agreement will provide support to assist us in addressing the issues that have led the trust being placed in special measures for finance and quality while working to develop a long-term arrangement."

Similar schemes have already been established between other trusts around the country.