The chairman of Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust is to be the first chairman of the new, combined Hywel Dda NHS Trust.

Health minister Edwina Hart announced the interim appointment of Lynette George last week.

She said: "I am extremely grateful to Lynette for her dedication and commitment to the NHS in Wales and would like to thank her for agreeing to act as the interim chairman until a substantive successor is appointed and I wish her all the best in this role."

Mrs George lives near Cardigan and has chaired the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust since its inception and previously held senior posts with Derwen NHS Trust and Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust.

A farmer's wife and mother of three, she has a knowledge and understanding of rural concerns and a keen interest in health, particularly mental health issues.

NHS Trust chairmen in band two receive £39,150 a year for a time commitment of 14.5 days a month. The appointment will be until July 31 or until a substantive successor is appointed.