THE Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has a new chief medical officer.

Dr Melanie Iles has been appointed to the role, starting on April 1 next year, taking over from Dr Dan Meron.

She is currently NHS England’s national chief clinical information officer (CCIO), on an interim basis on secondment from her substantive role as NHS England’s medical director and CCIO for the East of England region.

Dr Iles said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Somerset FT.

“It will be a privilege to join the trust and work with the amazing staff to deliver the trusts vision to improve the health and care outcomes for the people of Somerset and the benefits of the trust merger.

“I have big shoes to fill taking on this role from Dr Dan Meron who has done a fantastic job.

“I am looking forward to starting in April and getting to know the people and the services they deliver. I have been fortunate to have a varied career and experience which I intend to put to good use for the benefit of the organisation.”

Peter Lewis, chief executive of Somerset FT, said: “I am very excited to welcome Melanie to Somerset in spring next year.

“She is a paediatrician by background and has worked as a medical director both at local level within a trust and at a regional level in a number of different parts of the country.

“Our trust is unique in England and provides acute, community, mental health and learning disability services, and primary care services via our subsidiary.

“We aim to support people to stay well, provide the best care and support, strengthen care and support in local communities, and reduce health inequalities.

“I am confident Melanie will support us to achieve this while at the same time supporting our colleagues within the trust to develop and continue to innovate.”