A HEALTH Board is searching for a new chief executive to 'lead the next phase' of their improvement journey.

Gary Doherty is leaving his position of Chief Executive at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board this month to take up the role of Director of Integration at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The Health Board went into Special Measures in June 2015 and Gary Doherty was appointed Chief Executive in February 2016.

Mark Polin, chairman, said: "The Board recognises that we need to accelerate the pace of change and it is now time for someone else to lead the next phase of our journey of improvement.

"Simon Dean, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Wales, will cover the Chief Executive post on an interim basis as of Monday, February 10 2020.

"Simon undertook this role when the Health Board was placed in Special Measures in 2015, so he knows the organisation well.

"The search for a permanent successor will commence immediately.

"I would like to thank Gary on behalf of the Board and all staff for his hard work and we wish him the very best for the future."