THE CHIEF executive of Colchester’s hospitals insists they are safer now then ever before.

Dr Gordon Coutts, who was appointed in September 2010, said will welcome an NHS inspection and act upon any recommendations it makes.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said: “I understand why the Department of Health would want to leave no stone unturned.

“I am confident this hospital is safer now than it ever has been but we can always improve."