Hospital chief takes over at LAB

THE MAN responsible for the Department of Health's overhaul of London's hospitals is to take over the Legal Aid Board.

Sir Tim Chessells, chair of the London Implementation Group, succeeds John Pitts who has led the group since it was set up six years ago.

Chessells was responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Tomlinson Report which includes the closure of St Bartholomews and the merger of some of the capital's teaching hospitals.

Secretary of State for Health Virginia Bottomley says: "His skills, energy and enthusiasm will be missed on the health scene in London."

Chessells, an accountant, was chosen by the Lord Chancellor's Department from more than 60 applicants after the quango job was advertised earlier this year. He has been appointed for three years from May 1995.