But shortly after she left, an investigation by the Healthcare Commission said the trust had compromised “the safety of patients by failing to make the right decisions” and blamed the “failings on the part of the leadership at the trust”.

Michael Summers, from the Patients’ Association, said the public would be astounded by the move.

“Patients may think it odd that those in charge of a major hospital leave it with infection rates soaring, leading to deaths and disabilities, and can later go on to obtain employment within the health service, advising patients on their health,” he said.

Last night MPs were equally appalled at the NHS “merry-go-round” of jobs. Shadow health minister Stephen O’Brien accused Health Secretary Alan Johnson of  “failing to take in hand the merry-go-round of failed bureaucrats in our NHS”.

He added: “Not only have they received astronomical pay-offs, they are now getting a second bite at the cherry. How can the Government defend this use of taxpayers money?

“We must ensure the best frontline care for patients and the public and this is not the way to go about it.”

Last night a spokesman for the trust said Ms Harrison and her consultancy firm, Durrow, had won the contract to review services after a competitive tendering process.

“Ruth will report to the chief executives of the three partner organisations involved in the review, Surrey Primary Care Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust.”

Earlier this month it emerged that the former head of another health trust at the centre of a Clostridium difficile scandal had rejected a £75,000 pay-off from the NHS.

Rose Gibb was chief executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust where 90 patients died due to appalling standards of hygiene.

After a £250,000 pay-off that she had agreed was blocked, she rejected the smaller sum and is now demanding £150,000.