THE temporary replacement for departing chief executive of Warrington Hospital Ian Dalton, has been announced this week.

Ann Marr, currently chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust, will be seconded to North Cheshire Hospitals Trust as acting chief executive from October 3, 2005, when Mr Dalton leaves to take up his new post as chief executive of the University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool.

Ms Marr is an experienced NHS chief executive who has achieved a three star rating within her own trust.

She will bring experience and senior leadership pending permanent arrangements being put in place.

Her support will enable the trust to continue to press ahead with the major improvements to patient care, led by Ian over the past two years.

Allan Massey, chairman of North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "I am delighted that someone of Ann Marr's calibre and experience has agreed to lead the trust for a period of time.

"Ann's recent appointment will enable us to continue to press ahead with improving our performance and I am very much looking forward to working with her."