Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is zero-rated

Malcolm Dennett, the new financial boss at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, has worked for British Gas, Rolls-Royce and Carpetright.

"His vast experience will be invaluable as we move towards stabilising the financial position," said trust chairman Roy Davies.

The zero-rated trust has reduced surgery by a quarter to save money.

Transport adviser

All non-urgent operations were moved from Crawley Hospital to the East Surrey Hospital at Redhill in August.

The measures were expected to save the trust �17m.

Mr Dennett has also worked as finance director for Guy's and Lewisham NHS Trust, as an adviser to the Department for Transport, and for consultants PKF.

"I'm looking forward to being part of the new executive team who are working hard to drive forward improvements both financial and clinically," he said before taking up the job on Tuesday.

"The challenge...is immense but I'm confident the trust can stabilise and grow into a thriving NHS organisation."