EAST Lancashire Hospital Trust’s chief executive Kevin McGee is set to carry on a similar part-time role at a trust currently the subject of a poisoning probe.

Mr McGee took on the interim role at the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in April this year, replacing the retiring chief executive Wendy Swift.

Originally Mr McGee had only been expected to stay at the Blackpool trust on a short-term basis while it looked to recruit to the post full time.

But the two trusts have now confirmed that Mr McGee recently agreed to stay on at Blackpool for the ‘foreseeable future’, with no dates finalised as yet.

The Blackpool trust is at the centre of a major police investigation into the suspected poisoning of patients on the stroke unit.

In November last year, police were contacted by the hospital after concerns were raised about the care provided to some patients, which related to alleged mistreatment and neglect on the stroke unit.

Seven people have been arrested as part of the investigation.

A spokesman for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Kevin McGee has recently agreed to continue his role as Interim Chief Executive at the Trust for the foreseeable future with no dates finalised as yet.

“Mr McGee was asked to stay on while the Trust reviews its options.’’

Mr McGee’s new role started on May 1 for the equivalent of three days per week.

He remains as accountable officer for ELHT (East Lancashire Hospitals Trust) and will continue to focus on the integrated care partnership for Pennine Lancashire ­— Together a Healthier Future.

Medical director Professor Damian Riley will continue to be acting chief executive of ELHT and he continues to take day-to-day charge of the trust.

Dr Ian Stanley will also continue to be acting medical director.

A spokesman for ELHT said: “Kevin will continue in his dual role of Chief Executive at both East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the foreseeable future.

“While taking overall responsibility for the strategic direction of two NHS trusts is challenging, Kevin has the support of two high-performing Boards, with strong Executive teams, and effective senior management.

“The next few years will be an ambitious and exciting time for our Trust as ELHT continues its improvement journey and plays a major role in transforming health and social care services across Pennine Lancashire.”