THE woman who today became chief executive of the new Primary Care Trust for Blackburn with Darwen has spoken of her delight and hopes to improve health care in the borough.

Vivien Aspey comes to the trust, which begins work on October 1st, from the East Lancashire Health Authority where she has been responsible for primary and community care, mental health services, organisational development and performance management.

She was also directly responsible for a review of primary care accommodation, identifying GP recruitment issues, Primary Care Group development and the production of a multi-strategy for mental health issues in East Lancashire. Before this, she worked with a community and mental health trust in East Yorkshire, a family health services authority, acute hospitals and children's services.

Ms Aspey said: "This is an exciting opportunity for people from different organisations -- CommuniCare, Preston Guild, the Blackburn Hyndburn Ribble Valley Trust and the Health Authority -- to come together with GPs and practice staff to make our contribution to the health of the people of Blackburn with Darwen."

The PCT will control a budget of £95 million for organising GP and hospital services and providing community services such as district nursing and health visiting for the 161,000 people living in the borough.

Ms Aspey continued: "Teamwork and new ideas have never been more important and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with everyone in the PCT and with our partners in other organisations."