DORSET County Hospital has appointed a new acting chief executive from within.

Director of operations Patricia Miller will take on the role in the wake of Jean O'Callaghan's departure.

As reported in the Echo, Mrs O'Callaghan is leaving the £140,000 a year role for a job in Reading.

Chairman of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Dr Jeffrey Ellwood said: “I am delighted to confirm that our director of operations Patricia Miller will be taking on the role of acting chief executive when our current CEO Jean O’Callaghan leaves us in July for a new post in Berkshire.

"Patricia will remain in this role until we appoint a permanent chief executive.

"Patricia is an experienced executive with a proven track record in improving services for patients in both acute and community settings.

"The Board is delighted Patricia has agreed to take on this role and knows the Trust will be in safe hands during this period of change.”