Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said he is confident in the leadership of Dr Gordon Coutts, chief executive of Colcheter Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust.
Mr Hunt said he is glad Colchester's hospitals had not needed to go into special measures.
Speaking to the Gazette, he said: "We looked at the 14 hospital trusts, of which Colchester was one, because alarm bells were ringing triggered by the mortality rates.
"I am pleased the review has found confidence in leadership of Dr Coutts.
"It was not felt the hospital needed to go into special measures, but we will give support to Dr Coutts and his management.
"There are still challenges but I have confidence in his leadership."
Mr Hunt defended the investigations into 14 hospital trusts.
He said: "This is a new era. We need transparency. We will not solve problems behind closed doors."
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