A NEW chairman of the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority has taken up his post this week.

Nigel Humphreys, 62,started his job on Monday after being appointed by Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

Mr Humphreys joins the health authority after four years as a non-executive Director of Hampshire Ambulance Service.

Mr Humphreys is extremely enthusiastic about joining the health author-ity at a time of major investment in the NHS.

He said: "The NHS Plan sets out a vision of a health service fit for the 21st century and designed around the patient.

"Local health services, in partnership with local authorities and the voluntary sector, are charged with improving health, reducing health inequalities, modernising services and improving performance.

"The North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority has a key role in this huge task, ensuring that local organisations grasp the opportunties offered by this programme of investment."

Mr Humphreys, who is married with two daughters, has extensive experience in the private sector, in industry and from working for the management consultancy the Accord Group.

Gareth Cruddace, chief executive of the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority, said: "Nigel's leadership experience means that he is ideally suited to his key role in the Health Authority as we embark on the 10-year programme of implementing the NHS Plan in North and Mid Hampshire."