IT was never going to be a quick fix.

Pulling the beleaguered Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust up from where it is currently mired - rated as inadequate - will not happen overnight.

Few would argue with that but there will be some sinking hearts at the words of Matthew Hopkins, the trust's new chief executive, who has called it a 'three to five year journey'.

Mr Hopkins says achieving a good rating from the Care Quality Commission 'does take time'.

Well yes, but, bearing in mind that the trust has been at this point since 2015, we believe patients at the county's hospitals have already been asked to have a lot of... patience.

Mr Hopkins also describes his role as one that has a lot in common with Premiership football managers - 'you are only as good as your last game'.

If Mr Hopkins proves to be the Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola of Worcestershire then he may yet turn out to be worth the wait. But we really do need to see some results - sooner rather than later.