BROOMFIELD Hospital’s chief executive has said tackling the deficit of £20million is the biggest challenge they face.

Paul Fordham said bosses at the hospital are looking at how to cut costs - without affecting patients treatment.

As reported by the Weekly News in February, finance experts where drafted into the NHS Mid Essex Trust, who run the hospital, to help reduce the hefty shortfall.

During the interview on BBC Essex, Mr Fordham said although cuts made by made to services and the 5,000 staff, the experience of patients is still a huge priority.

Mr Fordham said: “One thing we won’t do here is cut costs at our patients’ expense.

“What we have found is if we make our services affective for patients, it becomes the most efficient for us.

“We cannot possibly expect to look at saving £20million without considering our head count.

“But this won’t affect front line services.”