THE most senior medic working at East Lancashire’s hospitals has taken on a slightly reduced role.

Rineke Schram, who has been the hospitals’ medical director since 2006, has moved into the new post of chief medical officer.

The responsibilities of the medical director increased dramatically in the last eight years, so the trust has decided to split the role.

In her new post Mrs Schram will still oversee all aspects of the professional performance of doctors and incorporate the ‘responsible officer’ role. But she will now work in partnership with Dr Ian Stanley, the new interim executive medical director, to improve the quality and delivery of clinical services.

She said the changes were ‘necessary to improve the quality of care and services’.