The recently appointed chief executive of St George's Hospital trust has been suspended within days of taking on the role.

Dr Paula Vasco-Knight was appointed as acting chief executive on April 22 after days of speculation about the former chief executive, Miles Scott's, future in the role.

April 22: Chief executive of St George's Hospital steps down ten weeks after disagreeing with Jeremy Hunt on junior doctor contracts

April 22: Who is the new acting boss of St George's Hospital? What we know so far​

The Wandsworth Guardian reported that Dr Vasco-Knight had a controversial past, having been involved in other trusts and employment tribunals.

Today, May 3, she was suspended from her role. 

A spokesman for the trust said: "As a result of serious allegations being made against her, Dr Paula Vasco-Knight has been suspended from her role as acting chief executive at St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

"The allegations are financial in nature and relate to her work at a previous employer.

"The Trust Board has asked the medical director, Professor Simon Mackenzie, to fill Dr Vasco-Knight's role as acting chief executive. Professor Andrew Rhodes, deputy medical director, will act as medical director.

"The trust is not in a position to comment further at this stage."

The Wandsworth Guardian was due to interview Dr Vasco-Knight on May 11, but this was postponed on May 3. 

In an email sent to staff announcing the suspension, Sir David Henshaw, the new chairman of the trust, said the move was "deeply disappointing".

He said: "The board is clear that we have to stay focussed on the agenda of change we have set out on in reinvigorating engagement throughout the trust, improving the St George infrastructure, IT and preparing for our CQC visit with long term improvements to support the high uality and safety of care for patients that we all want to deliver.

"There is no question this is a testing time for the trust but I am very encouraged by the response I have had on the changes in approach we have established so far.

"I know everything will be judged on delivery. I am trying to get around the trust as much as possible so please do stop me and introduce yourselves."

Brian Colman from South West London Keep Our NHS Public (KNOP) said: "This underlines what we have been saying for a while.

"St George's should put patients' needs first and demand services are fully funded by the government.

"Instead they are rearranging the chairs on the deck while the NHS sinks."