ESSEX MPs said they were reassured by a meeting with hospital bosses in the wake of a death rates probe.

Colchester MP, Sir Bob Russell, and Harwich and North Essex MP, Bernard Jenkin, met with Colchester Hospital Trust's chief executive, Gordon Coutts at 9am on Friday.

Both said the meeting was "reassuring" and were convinced the investigation would absolve the hospital from a Mid-Staffordshire type scandal.

Colchester General Hospital will be scrutinised by expert clinicians in June.