PROFESSOR Gerry Armitage has been appointed a non-executive director of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

He will take-up the role on October 1 when current director Nadira Mirza stands down after two terms with the trust.

Prof Armitage is a board member of Keighley-based Bradford and District Healthwatch.

Latterly he served as professor of health services research at the University of Bradford.

He has also held senior research fellow and lecturer roles, as part of which he developed an expertise in patient safety.

And he is still involved in several research and development activities.

Prof Armitage said: "I am flattered and excited to be joining the care trust.

"I have already met service users, senior managers and frontline clinical staff, and sense that there is a strong will to provide high-quality care.

"This is a challenging time for all involved in healthcare and I am determined to help the trust achieve its ambitious plans."

The appointment is welcomed by trust chairman, Mike Smith.

"Gerry's considerable track record across senior research and advisory roles will further strengthen the board," he said.