THE body responsible for overseeing East Lancashire's health trusts has appointed a new 'lay' member to its board.

Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority has named Dr Malcolm McVicar, the vice-chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, as a non-executive director.

Dr McVicar, who was educated at the Universities of Exeter and London, became vice chancellor of UCLAN in October 1998, following several years service as pro vice-chancellor of the University of Portsmouth.

Although his main academic interests are in the areas of higher education policy and education management, he has always taken a keen interest in health issues, and, as an active member of Universities UK, serves on their health and quality committees.

He said "I have always had a special interest in health issues and am really pleased to have the opportunity to join the board of the strategic health authority, which takes an overview of services across the whole of Cumbria and Lancashire.

"I hope that my contribution, both from an academic and personal perspective, will be of value to the people in the area who need to know that the NHS is up to date on all the latest treatment and there for them when they need its care."

SHA chairman Kath Reade, said: "We have been looking for a non-executive director with expertise in education for some time, and are delighted that Malcolm McVicar is to join us on the board. It is imperative we establish links with local universities as we seek to give NHS staff maximum opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills. We believe he will have an invaluable contribution to make."