THE boss of Colchester’s hospitals has been sacked amid concerns about death rates, waiting times and leadership.

Richard Bourne, chairman of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, was removed by health watchdog Monitor, only weeks after he was reappointed to the £40,000-a-year post.

Officials found the trust was in significant breach of its foundation trust status, a supposed marker of excellence, failing to deliver on targets, including a four-hour A&E target, and cancer waiting times.

Hospital bosses have defended the trust’s performance and say Monitor has noted improvements.

His sacking comes as a daughter plans to sue Colchester General Hospital, claiming her mother died after consultants botched a routine procedure.

Lynda Muir said: “I feel I have to fight my mum’s case. She cannot die in vain.”