SOUTHERN Health has appointed Tim Smart as interim chairman following regulatory action taken by NHS Improvement in response to serious concerns raised by the Care Quality Commission.

NHS Improvement will work closely with Mr Smart as it determines the need for further regulatory action.

Another of the new interim chairman’s early priorities will be to carry out a review of the capacity and capability of the trust’s current board.

Mr Smart said: “The people that rely on our services and their families will be at the heart of everything we do. Two of my immediate priorities are to make sure that the quality and safety of our services improve and to make sure the board functions more effectively.

“The Care Quality Commission has identified some serious issues which need to be resolved quickly and effectively. I assure everyone that as chairman I will always act in the best interests of the population we serve.”