A GP who has been appointed interim clinical chief at Swindon NHS Clinical Commissioning Group has welcomed the opportunity to champion the views of patients.

Dr Sarah Bruen, a part-time GP at Highworth’s Westrop Surgery, takes on the role of CCG clinical chair from Peter Mack. The Moredon Medical Centre doctor resigned on Wednesday, after watchdog inspectors labelled the surgery where he is a senior partner inadequate and placed it in special measures.

“Taking on this new role is a real privilege as it enables me to not only speak up for my clinical colleagues, but to also champion the views of patients across Swindon,” said Dr Bruen.

“This is an important time in the history of the NHS, especially given the recent publication of the Long Term Plan, and I am very excited at the prospect of working with both staff and patients on making changes and improvements locally that deliver on the pledges included within the national plan.”

Dr Bruen is already a member of the CCG’s governing body. The NHS organisation said her new role would not impact her duties at the Westrop Surgery.