THE chairman of NHS East Lancashire has been appointed temporary head of NHS Bury.

Kathy Reade will act as interim chairman of the primary care trust after she was asked to take the role by Sir David Henshaw, the chairman of the North West Strategic Health Authority.

Hilda Harvey MBE retired from her eight-year stint as NHS Bury's chairman last month, following ill health.

Steve Spoerry, NHS East Lancashire's chief executive, said: “Kathy’s temporary appointment to Bury PCT is a testament to her personal leadership skills, the effective governance she oversees and the strength of the board at NHS East Lancashire.”

In her absence, NHS East Lancashire’s vice chairman David Joyce will assume the role of chairman, while non-executive director Bob Huntbach will become vice chairman and chairman of the audit committee.

Mrs Reade said: “My commitment to the role of chairman of NHS East Lancashire is absolute and I shall return as soon as possible. In the meantime, I know that our PCT is in very capable hands.”