A HEALTH chief who led a re-organisation of hospital services in Bury has taken a new job.

Mr Richard Popplewell, chief executive of Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, has left after six-and-a-half years to take up the same post with Stockport Primary Care Trust.

Mr Evan Boucher, currently the health authority's director of performance and corporate management, will take up the role of acting chief executive.

Mr Popplewell has a long history of work within the National Health Service, worked for the former North Western Regional Health Authority for 12 years, and was also chief executive of Manchester Health Authority. Mr Popplewell said: "I have enjoyed my time with Bury and Rochdale Health Authority and I am looking forward to challenges that my new role will bring. "One of my biggest achievements while working for the authority was overseeing the re-organisation of hospital services in Bury and Rochdale, which was both challenging and rewarding."

One of the main moves under way is the transferral of services, including the accident and emergency department, from Bury General to Fairfield.

Mr Popplewell added: "I am sure that Evan Boucher will be given the full support of all members of staff at the health authority."

Mr Boucher started his career in the north east in local government. He moved to the North West to work for Bolton Council, before joining the North West Regional Health Authority in 1995.

Mr Boucher said: "I am relishing the challenge that my new role will bring, and look forward to supporting the improvement of local health services. We will continue to work closely with all our partners to ensure that we make the best use of our staff's talents and other local resources.

"I would like to wish Richard every success in his new capacity as chief executive of Stockport Primary Care Trust."