Updated: NORTH Yorkshire and York’s health trust is to begin searching for a new chairman after the current holder of the post announced he is to bring 13 years of service to an end.

John Wardle, chairman of NHS North Yorkshire and York, has revealed he will retire from the position at the end of March in a week of shake-ups for the trust.

His announcement came a day after the organisation – formerly North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) revealed Jayne Brown is to become its new chief executive and as senior officials confirmed more savings will have to be made to counter its remaining £1.8 million debt.

Mr Wardle, who will be 65 this year, also chaired Northallerton Health Services and the Craven, Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust.

He said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the NHS over this period, which has been characterised as one of continual change.

“I am particularly pleased NHS North Yorkshire and York is now emerging strongly from the problems arising from the merger of four previous organisations.

“The aim remains to be in financial balance by the year end, and I am confident the Healthcare Commission ratings on performance will show improvement and the organisation will improve further under the recently-announced new executive leadership.”

New chief executive Mrs Brown thanked Mr Wardle for his “commitment and support”. She said: “Over the last 13 years, he has worked determinedly to ensure patients and local communities are able to have a say on local health provision and I am sure he will continue to champion the rights of patients and the public during his retirement.”

The process of finding Mr Wardle’s successor, which is the responsibility of the Appointments Commission, will begin shortly.