A troubled hospital trust has appointed a new chairman.

This morning, Barts Health Trust, which runs Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone announced the appointment of John Bacon CB.

The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) selected Mr Bacon who has over 30 years' experience working in the NHS at regional and national level.

He will take up the post on August 1.

In March, chairman Sir Stephen O'Brien, announced he would leave his position on the trust's board after three years to "focus on other interests" in the field of mental health.

Chief executive Peter Morris and chief nurse Professor Kay Riley both stepped down from the country's largest trust, which has an estimated financial deficit of around £64million.

Weeks after Sir Stephen’s departure, a damning CQC report claimed Whipps Cross Hospital was failing its patients.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to chair Barts Health,” Mr Bacon said.

“I have a long association with the hospitals within the Trust and I look forward to working with my new colleagues, partners and the local community to provide the best possible healthcare for the people of East London.”

John was previously Chair of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for seven years. 

He has also held a series of senior roles at regional level and at the Department of Health, where he was Director of Service Delivery from 2003 to 2006 with responsibility for the performance of the NHS in England.

The healthcare watchdog later identified problems at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel and Newham University Hospital noting 65 areas where the trust must urgently improve, including poor leadership, low morale, a culture of bullying and low staff levels. 

Alwen Williams, Interim Chief Executive of Barts Health NHS Trust said she is ‘delighted’ Mr Bacon is taking the role.

“I would also like to thank Philip Wright for taking on the role of Acting Chair over the past four months,” she added.

Peter Blythin, Director at the NHS Trust Development Authority said: “Barts Health is facing some of the biggest challenges in the NHS and strong, capable leadership is crucial in improving both the quality of care that the Trust provides and the long term sustainability of the organisation.”