Hywel Dda University Health Board has appointed the former director of NHS England for the south-west, Steve Moore as its new chief executive.

Mr Moore has extensive experience in both the health and social care sectors and is currently consulting director for health and social care policy for a global multi-disciplinary consultancy firm ICF International.

Previously, he was chief executive for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust (PCT) and, following NHS reorganisation, was appointed chief executive of both the Cornwall and Devon PCT clusters, which include NHS Plymouth, NHS Devon and Torbay Care Trust.

More recently he was director of the NHS England area team covering Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Hywel Dda chair Bernardine Rees said: "Steve has an excellent reputation for successfully delivering improvements centred around the values of the NHS putting patients first.

“There is no doubt that he is an experienced and visionary leader and we are confident that these leadership skills, coupled with his extensive experience will be of great benefit as we continue the journey of providing sustainable services for the population of Hywel Dda."

Mr Moore said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chief executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board at such a critical time for health and social care integration within Wales.

“I am looking forward to taking up the role, getting out and meeting staff and stakeholders to fully understand the current challenges and together building the right future for health and social care services for every person living in the Hywel Dda healthcare area.”