Plan to start a new era at hospitals

The "troubleshooter" appointed to take control of Stafford and Cannock's hospitals has said he plans to bring stability to Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Eric Morton says he wants to help staff through "unsettling" times and work together with them for the benefit of patients.

Mr Morton made the comments after he was named as interim chief executive of the trust on Thursday. The 57-year-old will be putting his duties as chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to one side for around five weeks while he takes the reins in Stafford.

It has been a difficult week at the trust after the resignation of its chief executive, Martin Yeates, on Tuesday. Speaking about his temporary role, Mr Morton said he believed he could bring stability and "effective and efficient" practices to the trust.