A TOP Preston health chief is leaving to take up a regional post this autumn.

Jeff Moore has been appointed regional director of performance by the NHS Executive North West.

Mr Moore is chief executive of Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust and Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trusts.

In his new role he will have a regional and national role in achieving the objectives of the NHS plan and driving forward the modernisation of NHS services.

Mr Moore has been chief executive of the two local trusts since November last year.

He said: "I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, but I am also very sorry to be leaving my job as chief executive for both trusts.

"In the three years I have been in the role there have been many developments in the NHS, both nationally and locally.

"The trusts have unified and expanded their services and found new ways of working together and with other agencies to deliver the high quality services our patients expect and deserve.

"This progress would not have been possible with the skills professionalism and dedication of our staff." He added: "The Chorley and Preston hospitals are now well placed to continue modernising services and also on target to meet the objectives of the NHS plan.

"On a more personal note, during my time with the trusts I have received wonderful professional support and friendship from my chairmen, trust board members and my colleagues which I have valued enormously."

Previously Mr Moore was chief executive of the Chorley and South Ribble Trust.

He takes up his new appointment on October 1.