DR Steve Rowlands is stepping down as chairman of Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (Wiltshire CCG) on June 30 after two years in the role.

He willl be handing the responsibility to newly-elected Dr Peter Jenkins.

Dr Jenkins was elected through a majority vote process by the Wiltshire GPs who make up the CCG membership of 58 practices and will be responsible for shaping the CCG with members of its governing body.

Dr Rowlands said: "Much has changed since I began my clinical career a number of years ago, but what remains unwavering, regardless of what job people do within the NHS, is the commitment to delivering the best possible service, where the patient is at the centre. This theme has been core to Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group since it was authorised in 2013.

“As with the NHS nationally, the CCG has been faced with challenging financial constraints which has meant that we have had to make some difficult decisions.

"However, our vision has always been to provide people in Wiltshire with the right services, at the right time, locally to them.

“I’m proud to have been part of helping to develop health services in Wiltshire that are aligned to the needs and demands of a growing and increasingly ageing population, now and into the future.”

Dr Jenkins, who is currently Senior Partner at Avon Valley Practice, said: “I’m delighted to be voted as the new chair of Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

"Having spent two years as the GP medical advisor to Wiltshire CCG, I have a sound understanding of the organisation.

"I’m under no illusion that with the current financial challenges facing the NHS, this will be an easy role; however, I’m committed to ensuring that the CCG is in the best possible position to enable it to deliver on the objectives set in its five year plan.

“Providing fair access to high quality, locally delivered health services, with people encouraged to take a personal responsibility for their health, is key.

"Health services in Wiltshire need to adapt to current and future demand and population trends.

"I’m convinced that by continuing to work closely with our partners across health and social care services, as well as voluntary organisations, we will be able to provide strong, sustainable health services now and for future generations.”

Deborah Fielding, chief officer at Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our CCG has undergone a rapid period of development and the process has been successfully overseen by Steve as our clinical chairman.

"In particular, Steve has made significant contributions to the way we’ve been able to re-shape primary care services closer to home.

"On behalf of the CCG board I want to thank Steve for his outstanding commitment to health care services in our area, and the changes he has overseen.

"I’m confident that Peter will build on the great work already happening within the CCG to continue to drive it forward and to explore new opportunities and ways of working, and I look forward to welcoming him on July 1."