EXCLUSIVETHE chief executive of the trust which runs Colchester's two main hospitals is to take early retirement, we can reveal.

James Hore

EXCLUSIVE

THE chief executive of the trust which runs Colchester's two main hospitals is to take early retirement, the EADT can reveal.

Peter Murphy has this morning written to staff at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust saying it has “long been” his intention to step down early.

An official statement is expected to be released this afternoon confirming Mr Murphy will retire at the end of August, by which time he will have been chief executive for more than six years.

Mr Murphy e-mailed staff at the trust - which runs both Colchester General Hospital and Essex County Hospital - saying challenging times lie ahead.

He said: “It has long been my intention to retire early, and this summer will be a good time to step down.

“By then, we should have a permanent chair in post who, with my successor as chief executive, will lead the trust into the challenging times that lie ahead.

“I would like to take this early opportunity to thank the board and my colleagues, both past and present, for their support. It continues to be a privilege to work with so many friendly, supportive and capable people.

“Together, we have achieved much to be proud of but, inevitably, there is still a huge amount to do. The real challenges for the trust are in the future. Transformation takes a serious block of time - years, not months.”

Mr Murphy added he was looking forward to a “very intensive” final six months preparing for the incoming chairman and his replacement.

He also thanked staff for their support.