New boss for struggling NHS trust

A new permanent chief executive has been appointed at a struggling NHS trust in Lincolnshire.

Gary Walker will take over in two weeks from interim head Eric Morton, who took over in August from Helen Scott-South.

She was suspended from the top job at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust pending an inquiry into the manipulation of waiting lists.

Mr Walker was chief executive of the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and has worked with the NHS in London.

'Significant problems'

More details about the waiting list investigation are expected to be released later this week.

A recent review by the NHS East Midlands, which focused on patients at Lincoln County Hospital's orthopaedic unit, revealed a problem with waiting lists.

David Bowles, trust chairman, said: "The trust continues to face significant service and financial problems.

"We are therefore fortunate to have secured someone with such a wealth of relevant experience and leadership at this incredibly challenging time."