A FORMER journalist has been appointed to the board which runs Colchester General Hospital.

Tim Fenton, who worked in Colchester for the BBC for two years in the 1980s, also serve as the parliamentary correspondent for the corporation and the managing editor of BBC News Online.

He has been appointed to the part-time post of non-executive director of the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Fenton, 56, said: "I am a believer in the NHS. I think it’s one of this country’s greatest achievements. Both my parents worked for it and I have used it throughout my life.

“I am convinced of the need for closer partnership between Colchester and Ipswich hospital trusts in order to deliver better and better-value care.”

The married father of two has previously been chair of governors at Holbrook Academy between 2013 and 2015 where the school's Ofsted rating rose from special measures to good.

Chairman of the Trust David White welcomed Mr Fenton to the board.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Tim onto the board.

"He brings a wealth of relevant experience and the kind of background that will be invaluable in taking the Trust forward.

"I am confident he will make a very positive contribution to our work."

For the past decade, Mr Fenton has worked as an independent news industry consultant and interim manager. His current projects include being a lecturer and senior tutor in government and politics for journalists at Essex University.

The appointment is for three years, subject to satisfactory annual appraisal and he will receive an annual remuneration of £12,568.

Mr Fenton's role as non-executive director was made by the Trust’s council of governors.

Michael Horley, lead governor, said: “Tim is a firm believer in governance and putting the patient at the centre of all we do at the Trust.

“The council of governors looks forward to working with him."

As well as running Colchester General Hospital, the Trust owns and manages Essex County Hospital and provides some services at the hospitals in Clacton, Halstead and Harwich; and runs some community services.