The interim chief executive of Croydon University Hospital has been permanently appointed to the post.

John Goulston has been interim chief executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust since May 1, and was appointed following a two day selection process.

Mr Goulston said he was "delighted" by his appointment.

He said: "I want to make further changes to put our staff at the centre of the actions we need to take to improve our services.

"The Trust’s performance is stabilising, but it is difficult to sustain improvements without stability in the Board and really listening to our patients and staff on the ground."

Mr Goulston announced keys plans to move the Trust forward, including appointing a permanent Chief Operating Officer to support clinicians and the senior management team.

Mike Bell, chairman of Croydon Health Services said he was pleased the Trust now had a substantive CEO in place.

He said: "This was a gruelling interview, with cross-examination from a panel of people that have Croydon's best interests at heart.

"The Trust needs strong and stable leadership to make the improvements that are needed for patients.

"I am confident we have the right person for the job. The final decision was unanimous."