The under-fire James Paget Hospital has appointed a permanent chairman, bringing some stability five months after his predecessor resigned.

David Wright, whose former responsibilities include director of social services at Norfolk County Council and a non executive director at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, will join the hospital on June 1 for a three year term of office.

He is replacing interim chairman, Peter Franzen, who stepped up to the role when chairman, John Hemming, resigned in November 2011.

The search for a permanent chief executive can begin now Mr Wright is in place.

The appointment was approved by the Governors Council on Monday, April 23

Inspectors from the CQC have issued the hospital with three warnings since April 2011.

Mr Wright said: 'While I am really pleased to be able to accept the chairmanship of the trust, I am acutely aware of the recent criticism of the hospital and the care it provides. Patients have a right to expect a consistent high quality of care. I will dedicate myself to help tackle these challenges. There is no time to waste. The job of the chairman is to ensure good governance and I will commit to seeing through the programme of change that has already started.

'Changes to the NHS will create new opportunities to develop our services, often in partnership with others. The intention is to provide world-class medical care across all we do.'

Lead Governor, Hugh Sturzaker, said: 'The governors are delighted that David Wright has accepted the appointment of chairman of the Trust. We had a large and very talented field for the post. David comes with an impressive track record and a passion for patient care. His knowledge and contacts within the community and social field will be enormously helpful in building up integrated care between the trust and the community. I would like to say on behalf of the governors what a great job that Peter has done as interim chairman during the last six months. These have been difficult times but he has attacked the job with relish, brought in fresh thinking and has got the James Paget moving again.'