The NHS on the Isle of Wight is looking for a new Chief Executive following an announcement that Ed Macalister-Smith is moving on.

He has been on secondment to Buckinghamshire PCT for the past few months as their interim Chief Executive and has now been offered that post on a substantive basis.

The Chairman of the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, Danny Fisher, said: "Ed has a track record of success throughout his career and has provided excellent executive leadership to the Island NHS at one of the most challenging and dynamic times in its history. It is no surprise, therefore, that he has been sought by another PCT from within the South Central NHS area.

"However, I am delighted that Margaret Pratt has agreed to extend her time with us as Interim Chief Executive until such time as we have been able to recruit to the substantive position.

"Margaret has a long-standing connection with the Island, having been Interim Director of Finance during the time we brought our predecessor organisations together, before returning as Interim Chief Executive in April of this year. Her contribution and leadership over the past few months has been exemplary and I am very glad that she will be staying with us for the immediate future.

"The NHS on the Island is facing many considerable challenges as it continues to consolidate and build on the success of the past two years. I have every confidence that we will be able to attract candidates of a very high calibre to fill this pivotal position.

"Changes at the most senior levels in a large organisation such as ours inevitably lead to a certain amount of disruption and uncertainty. However, Island NHS team working has always been our strength and I would like to thank staff across the PCT for their valuable contribution."