DAVID Flory has been appointed chief executive of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority.

Mr Flory, 45, who is chief executive of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority, took over his new post on Monday, succeeding NHS administrator Ken Jarrold.

His appointment marks an important step towards the creation of a single health authority, stretching from Berwick, in Northumberland, to Redcar, in east Cleveland.

Mr Flory, who lives in Heighington, near Darlington, will oversee the management of 15 NHS trusts and primary care organisations across County Durham and Tees Valley.

Two of the most pressing issues facing the new County Durham and Teesside health chief are the financial crisis at The James Cook University Hospital NHS Trust and the implementation of the Darzi Plan, which calls for reorganisation of hospital services on Teesside and Hartlepool.

Mr Flory said: "The new role brings with it some enormous challenges. We are moving towards services which are more centred on the needs and wishes of local people.

"This means making sure that all care is of the highest possible standard and that people are seen as quickly as possible, as near to their homes as possible, whether they are waiting for hospital treatment, for diagnostic tests or for an appointment at their GP's surgery."

* A full interview with David Flory will appear on Friday's health page.