SUFFOLK/NORFOLK: The former editor of the Evening Star’s sister papers, the Eastern Daily Press and Great Yarmouth Mercury, has been appointed the interim chairman of the James Paget University Hospital.

Peter Franzen OBE succeeds John Hemming who resigned from his position of chairman following increasing concerns over the quality of patient care.

Mr Franzen, of Loddon, was appointed non executive director of the Gorleston hospital in November 2010.

He has been recognised with numerous newspaper industry national and local awards including an OBE for services to journalism in 2005.

He said: “In my time at the James Paget I have been struck by the talent, hard work and passion that staff have for the job of caring for patients.

“I have no quibble with the CQC. They saw things that we didn’t and it is up to us to put it right. My role is to build on the good work that has been going on to satisfy the requirements of the CQC, but more importantly to make sure that each patient in this hospital gets the high level of care they have every right to expect.

“A small number of elderly patients were not cared for in the way they should have been and we are very unhappy about that.

“Dignity and respect for the elderly, no matter how complex their conditions, should never be compromised.

“I have no doubt, this is a good hospital where the vast majority of patients have nothing but praise for the staff and the way they have been treated both medically and personally.

Chief executive of the hospital Wendy Slaney added: “I welcome Peter’s appointment and I look forward to working with him in the interests of the patients and public we serve. Our staff work hard to deliver good care and we are all committed to improving any areas where we fall short.”