WORLD-renowned cancer specialists have been appointed to lead Colchester's hospitals out of special measures.

The Royal Marsden has been chosen by health sector regulator Monitor to restore cancer services at Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust.

Monitor placed the trust in special measures last November following a Care Quality Commission report which found evidence staff had been bullied into tampering cancer patient records to hide missed targets.

In December, a probe by NHS England and the North East Essex clinical commissioning group found six of the 17 cancer services and pathways needed immediate and major improvements.

Adam Cayley, regional director at Monitor, said: “The Royal Marsden has an excellent track record in providing specialist cancer services for its patients and will provide specifically tailored support to help Colchester improve its cancer services for its patients.”.