ONE of Bury's health bosses is stepping down and embarking on a new role in the borough.

Dr Kiran Patel has been the clinical chairman at Bury Clinical Commissioning Group since its formation in April 2013.

He is stepping down to become the medical director for Bury GP Federation from April 1.

Dr Patel's role was to come to an end in March 2019.

He said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead the CCG as clinical chairman over the last five years and I am proud of what the team at the CCG, our GP practices and our providers have achieved together.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a skilled and dedicated team who have genuine concern for local people, continually striving for high quality and standards of care.

“I am very proud of the improvements that have been made during this time, and as health and social care enters an exciting new chapter, I wish my colleagues at the CCG and within Bury Council every success in the challenges and opportunities that health and social care devolution will bring to Bury.”

During his time at the CCG Dr Patel has worked to secure extra funding for children and young people and under his supervision Bury was an early adopter are for extended GP hours.

Stuart North, chief officer for NHS Bury CCG added: “Anyone who knows Kiran will agree that his commitment to developing and improving health services in Bury has been unswerving.

"Kiran has guided and motivated us to continually improve, and together the CCG, our GP Practices and our partners have made some great improvements to health and care in Bury.

"Kiran has set us in good stead for the future, and he will be greatly missed.

"On behalf of the team at the CCG, we wish him the very best for the future.”

The new chairman of Bury CCG has not yet been named.