Croydon Health Services has appointed two new non-executive directors to help improve patient care.

Dr James Gillgrass, a retired Croydon GP, and Louise Cretton, a market research specialist, took up their roles with the trust on January 1.

The duo will serve as non-executive directors until December 31 2017 and will receive £6,157 per year.

They will help monitor performance and help ensure patients receive the best possible service.

Dr Gillgrass worked at Croydon University Hospital, as well as a number of other hospitals, before training in general practice and becoming a Croydon GP in 1983.

Ms Cretton is an experienced non-executive director who has worked for a wide range of organisations, from higher education bodies to multinational corporations.

Trust chairman Michael Bell said: "I’m really pleased to be able to welcome James and Louise to the trust.

"We know how important it is to improve patient experience, acting on what individuals tell us so we can make changes to the way we provide care."

Dr Gillgrass said: "I am delighted to be appointed to the board of my local hospital and community services trust.

"I look forward to working to further develop areas of good practice within the trust and to make improvements where necessary, to ensure a safe, effective and high quality service for patients."