TOP councillors from Tendring have criticised Colchester Hospital, blaming attitude and communication for its ongoing failings.

Tendring Council met with Colchester hospital trust boss Dr Lucy Moore to question her over issues at the hospital.

While they were quick to offer support at the meeting of the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday they urged for more action to be taken.

Nick Turner, deputy leader of the council said: “Half these problems could be solved with a change of attitude and a better flow of communication through to the trust’s governors who can then inform the public.

“It is absolutely fundamental.”

In November a major internal incident was declared at the hospital following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

During the incident, which has since been ended, a large number of operations had to be cancelled.

Dr Moore said she hopes to appoint a Director of Strategy and Transformation who would have a responsibility to deal with partnerships.

“We want to work closely with Tendring Council and many others and I agree that has been a problem in the past which I am looking to address through the appointment,” she added.

Tendring Council has also written to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over its concerns about the hospital.