A hospital trust in financial special measures has appointed a new head of finance.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) has assigned Nick Swift as its chief financial officer.

The trust was placed in financial special measures earlier this month after its former chief executive, Matthew Hopkins, stood down in July this year.

Mr Swift has more than 20 years of board level experience in international finance and was chief financial officer for British Airways until 2016.

The new chief officer has been enrolled for an initial 10 month contract.

Chris Bown, the trust’s interim chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of someone with Nick’s extensive track record, experience and expertise. He’s the kind of person we need to be attracting to the NHS.

“I, along with the rest of the board and the executive team look forward to working closely with Nick to continue to turn around the trust after the recent financial difficulties we have been working through.”

Mr Swift said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the team at the trust. Like many people, I’m very proud of this country’s National Health Service, and it’s great to now be a part of it.

“There will undoubtedly be challenges, but I’m looking forward to tackling them.”