PCT HAS NEW CHAIRMAN

She succeeds Beryl Hobson, the PCT's chair since the organisation was established in 2002, who has decided not to take up an offer from the NHS Appointments Commission to extend her term of office.

The Board, at its March meeting, put on record members' thanks to Beryl for all her work for the PCT, and there was a presentation to her on behalf of staff by chief executive Fiona Henniker at a tea party on Wednesday 29 March at the PCT's main office in Friars Walk, Lewes.

"It has been a privilege to chair an organisation where staff are so dedicated and committed to improving patients' lives through the PCT's services in the community hospitals, clinics, health centres and people's homes, and where tremendous efforts have been made to work with a wide range of partners," said Beryl.

Ms Eggar, a non-executive director of the PCT since 2002 and more recently vice-chair, has been appointed acting chair by the commission for a year or until the reconfiguration of the PCT (see notes for news editors).

"I welcome the opportunity to help steer the PCT through the reconfiguration and to ensure a smooth transition to the new organisation for the benefit of patients and staff," said Ms Eggar, manager of the Volunteer Centre, Sussex Downs.