Former Bradford Council leader John Ryan has won the top health job in the district, it was announced today.

Secretary of State for Health Alan Milburn has appointed him chairman of Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust.

He takes over from Linda Pollard who continued in the job after her term of office ended in October.

Councillor Ryan takes the leading role in an organisation with 4,000 staff and an annual income of more than £100 million.

The trust manages Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital and provides a wide range of hospital services across the district.

As Council leader in 1998, Coun Ryan, 48, played a leading role in bringing the Health Action Zone to Bradford. He was heavily involved in early preparations for the bid, with MPs and partner organisations.

Trust chief executive David Jackson said: "His appointment is an important step forward for the trust as it lifts the uncertainty over the post of chairman which has existed for several months.

"The wealth of experience and expertise that he brings to the organisation will be an important asset in helping us to achieve a wide-ranging set of challenges for the tasks of months and years ahead.

"We look forward to working with him in helping to put these plans into action and ensuring that key developments for the people of Bradford, such as our new multi-million pound accident and emergency unit deliver the improvements we want them to."

He praised Mrs Pollard for her enthusiasm and hard work for Bradford and her role in the successful Millennium Scanner Appeal.

"She played an important role in creating the platform on which to improve and take forward our services during her time as chairman."

Coun Ryan, who represents the Bowling ward for Labour, lives in Shipley and is married with two grown-up children.

The former long-standing Education Committee chairman will receive £19,825 a year for his work with the Trust.

He will combine it with his job as a Wakefield Council officer and says he will continue to serve as a Bradford councillor.

Coun Ryan said: "The appointment process has taken some time and I am very keen to get started.

"There are numerous challenges before us in the health service, like an ageing population, new treatments and medical technology and the need to modernise the health service to meet people's expectations.

"I will work with the board to make the best use of the resources we have and work in partnership with other organisations and the local community to benefit local people."

He will begin his new job tomorrow.

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