David Cameron has accused Tony Blair of sacking NHS chief Sir Nigel Crisp in an attempt to "fudge" the cash crisis afflicting the National Health Service.

In the Commons, the Conservative Leader challenged the Prime Minister's claim that health was a success story for his Government, and said the sudden departure of the NHS chief executive indicated that "things are going wrong".

Insisting that ministers and not officials should take the blame for the massive deficit being run up by NHS hospitals - which could spiral to £900 million this year, despite huge increases in taxpayer funding for health - Mr Cameron told MPs: "If everything is going so well, why did the Prime Minister sack the chief executive?"

With hospital wards being closed and consultants being sacked, the Opposition Leader recalled Sir Nigel's warning that structural problems are getting worse while more financial problems come to light, and highlighted how Mr Blair continued to claim in public that the NHS remains a success story, while in private he was sacking the official in charge.

And Mr Cameron declared: "Isn't this the latest example of the Government's mismanagement of the NHS. They set up the primary care trusts, now they are scrapping half of them. They introduced the strategic health authorities, now most of them are going.

"They have poured money into the NHS but there's an £800 million deficit and the outgoing chief executive said things are getting worse not better. When will ministers take responsibility for their failure, instead of seeking to blame others?"

As Mr Blair sought to paint a picture of success, Mr Cameron went on: "You try to fudge the issue of whether Sir Nigel was sacked, but last night Sir Nigel said he had wanted to stay at least another year and he wanted to leave when things were on the up - something I'm sure you feel some sympathy with."

Earlier, Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley commented: "Sir Nigel's rushed departure is a clear admission that the NHS centrally is in a crisis. Ministers can try and blame Sir Nigel but they are responsible."

He added: "The NHS is plunging into the red because ministers raised costs and pushed targets without regard to the overall impact on services. Chaotic upheaval in the NHS has left managers at every level in despair. New leadership for the NHS is important but the need for political leadership and direction is even more urgent."