Peter Franzen appointed vice chairman of James Paget Hospital in Gorleston

Wednesday, July 18, 2012
2:23 PM

Former EDP and Great Yarmouth Mercury editor Peter Franzen has agreed to take on an enhanced role as vice chairman of the James Paget University Hospital (JPH).

The position was ratified by a full meeting of the governors’ council and will involve additional responsibilities beyond the previous vice chairman’s remit.

Mr Franzen was appointed interim chairman of the hospital in November last year as the JPH went through the most turbulent time in the hospital’s history following poor reports from the Care Quality Commission.

He helped steer the trust through a difficult seven months and oversaw the appointments of interim chief executive David Hill and substantive chairman David Wright. “I am so pleased that I can continue to play a role in shaping the future direction of the hospital,” said Mr Franzen. “The appointment of David Hill proved the turning point in meeting the CQC care standards, and with the help of a committed workforce at the trust, I was delighted that the warning notices were lifted.

“Like all acute hospital trusts, the JPH faces a difficult future. “But there is a determination to make it one of the best and most innovative hospitals in the country. There is fresh thinking among the management team as we reach out to other health organisations to help us deliver an integrated health system for the people of Yarmouth who deserve the best.”