Hospitals Trust appoints interim chief executive

Mr Jim Birrell has taken up his post at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust today.

Mr Birrell has held many senior leadership positions in the NHS including chief executive at Aintree Hospital.

Since retiring from Aintree Mr Birrell has held a number of interim chief executive positions including Leicester and North Stafford.

Mr Jonathan Wood, director of finance, will support Mr Birrell as the interim deputy chief executive.

The appointment follows the resignation of the previous chief executive Mr Mark Brearley.