NEW chief executive David Rose has come to the county from the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, where his portfolio was to encourage health service improvements.

Before that he had been lead person in a team to improve heart care across England.

A Worcestershire man, Mr Rose graduated in health economics and then had a stint working for British Airways and the clothing industry.

"But I was always fascinated in the services of health care and decided it was much more interesting than knowing how many airline tickets, or suits, were sold," he said.

He made the switch, working for 10 years in hospitals across the country.

Mr Rose said he was attracted to the job in Hereford because of the enthusiasm of the people in the hospital to improve services - 'more so than in any other hospital I have been in'.

He was impressed with the co-operation between Hereford Hospitals Trust, Herefordshire Primary Care Trust and Herefordshire Council to work together to meet the challenges ahead.

Last but not least it was a good new hospital, new technology and in a wonderful environment.

Mr Rose stressed he was seeking attention to detail from every member of his team, along with a tidy hospital that was simple to live and move around in - and that he was always prepared to listen.

He is married to Lisa and has three children, Ben, aged six, Anna, two, and Emily, four months.