Essex hospital stays in special measures

A damning report has suggested that one of our hospitals is continuing to fail patients despite repeated warnings.

The alarm was first raised over Colchester hospital three years ago but a fresh inspection by the health watchdog, the CQC, shows urgent improvements are still needed.

Today's report reveals the hospital's rated "inadequate" for a second year. It's now been in special measures since 2013.

There's particular criticism of cancer waiting times, poor leadership and low staff morale, though the report does praise the hard work done by those working to help patients.

Hospital bosses have insisted improvements are already being made.