A QUALIFIED mechanical and civil engineer with more than 30 years experience as a board director of several large companies has been re-appointed chairman of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals Trust.

Richard Fraser, who originally joined the Trust in 2014, will continue in his role for another four years.

He is heavily involved with the charity National Energy Action and is chairman of Warm Zones CIC the not for profit contractor. Both organisations are committed to alleviating fuel poverty in the UK.

He said: "St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the best performing Trusts in the country and I am delighted to be continuing my work alongside the hard working and dedicated staff at Whiston and St Helens hospitals.”

Ann Marr chief executive said: “Richard is an extremely hard-working and dedicated Chairman and his skills and experience are an asset to the Trust

I am delighted that he will be continuing in his role for a further four years and look forward to working with him.”

Appointments to NHS Trusts, made by the NHS Trust Development Authority, are subject to the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Mr Fraser’s term will start on May 1 2016 and end on April 30 2020, with an annual remuneration of £21,105 and he has declared no political activity in the last five years.