The union representing senior hospital doctors says it bitterly regrets the departure of the chief executive of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board.
Chris Clarke announced his resignation less than a fortnight before a re-constituted board was due to have its first meeting.
That board was dismissed by the previous Government last February, but has since been re-instated in an advisory role. A Commissioner, Sir John Anderson, was installed.
Mr Clarke says it's in the board's best interest to have a new chief executive, given the sensitivity surrounding the re-instatement. He had held the position for six years.
But the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says Mr Clarke was professional, competent and full of integrity.
It believes he was forced to resign by the Commissioner. Sir John could not be reached for a response.
