Whittington Health has apologised after its chairman fell asleep at a meeting for the second time in sixth months.

Islington Gazette: Mr Hitchins appeared to be sleeping at a health scrutiny meeting at Camden Town Hall in MarchMr Hitchins appeared to be sleeping at a health scrutiny meeting at Camden Town Hall in March (Image: Archant)

Steve Hitchins, who took up the position last December, slept through much of the first annual general meeting of Islington Clinical Commissioning Group on Thursday – in which service users were given an opportunity to ask questions and feed back to its board.

Mr Hitchins – a former leader of Islington Council – also appeared to be asleep at a health scrutiny committee at Camden Town Hall in March, where he was grilled over the resignation of two board members at the Whittington Hospital.

The trust, which runs the hospital in Magdala Avenue, Archway, said Mr Hitchins was currently undergoing medical tests.

A spokesman said: “We would like to apologise on behalf of our chair Steve Hitchins for the appearance that he was asleep during the meeting.

“While Steve’s health is a private matter, he is currently undergoing some tests.

“The Trust is aware of the situation and supporting him through this.”