The James Paget University Hospital (JPH) in Gorleston has appointed a former chief executive - who has been working in Bermuda - to return until a permanent boss is found.

David Hill left the trust in 2006 after eight years as chief executive (CEO), but is to return as interim CEO after current CEO Wendy Slaney announced she is to step down.

He has been working as president and chief executive officer at Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) where he was responsible for the acute care and mental health hospitals on the island.

A qualified accountant, Mr Hill had originally joined the JPH as finance director in 1991.

'It gives me great pleasure to assist the JPH in this interim capacity,' said Mr Hill. 'It comes at the right time, when my contract with BHB ended and I was returning to the UK.

'It is my pleasure to return and I'm looking forward to working once more with the high quality staff at the JPH to ensure that the hard work to improve the quality of care at the hospital continues to progress while the recruitment for a permanent CEO is completed.'

The hospitals in Bermuda are accredited for their quality standards by Accreditation Canada and Mr Hill serves on the International Committee based in Ottawa.

Individual departments are also accredited by specialised US bodies, such as Joint Commission International.

Under his leadership BHB has also strengthened its close clinical partnerships with prestigious American hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Peter Franzen, interim chairman at the JPH, said: 'David impressed us all with his desire and determination to take up the reins and help us continue to improve the care we provide our patients.

'He has been working with the best in the world and his innovative ideas and fresh thinking goes beyond the NHS. 'I'm certain this will help staff get to grips with the challenges we face.'

Mr Hill is expected to take up his post in April for at least a nine month period.

His appointment has been approved by the hospital's governors council.

A permanent chairman for the JPH trust is set to be appointed in May.