ONE of the top bosses at Basildon Hospital has admitted the trust has been through “turbulent” times.

Sir Peter Dixon, chairman of Basildon and Orsett Hospital’s NHS Trust, made the admission while stressing changes were on the way to improve healthcare.

His words came as the hospital launched a campaign to recruit five new non-executive directors, to help steer the trust in the right direction.

Sir Peter, who took over the role in April, when former chairman Michael Large left, said: “The trust has had a turbulent recent past.

“It is now raising standards of care and patient experience, during a period of organisational change and financial challenge.

“We are looking for outstanding candidates with a desire to serve their local community to continue that process.”

Five new directors are being sought to replenish vacant slots on the board of directors.

The non-executive directors, who are paid £12,000 a year, sit alongside the executive directors on the board, but are not employees.

They don’t get involved in the day-to-day running of the trust, but scrutinise the performance of managers and help develop strategies.