A WOMAN who has played a significant role in civic life in the county has been appointed as the first chair of Healthwatch Lancashire.

Gail Stanley, MBE, will lead the new organisation that will give people a way to influence and challenge how health and social care services are organised and provided.

Mrs Stanley has been a magistrate for 30 years, a deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire and was formerly High Sheriff of Lancashire, vice chair of Lancashire Police Authority, and chair of Blackburn Cathedral Trust Board.

Healthwatch Lancashire’s remit is to become the consumer champion for patients, service users and the public across health and social care.

Mrs Stanley said: “My role is to help ensure that the people of Lancashire receive the health and social care they need and deserve and I’ll do all I can to make that happen.”