A new executive lead has been appointed for a project aimed at redesigning Norfolk and Waveney's NHS.

Antek Lejk, who is the chief officer for South Norfolk and North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups, will take on the role of leading the Norfolk and Waveney Sustainability and Transformation Plan.

He takes over from Dr Wendy Thomson, managing director of Norfolk County Council, who decided to step down from the role, but will remain a member of the executive board.

Patricia Hewitt, independent chair of Norfolk and Waveney STP, said: 'I am delighted that Antek has agreed to take on the role of executive lead for our STP.

'He is a respected figure in the local health and care system and is passionate about bringing teams together to work for the benefit of local people.'

The STP brings together local health and social care organisations to ensure public health and care services can meet the growing demands predicted in the years ahead.

Proposals shared last year focus on preventing ill health, looking after people at home or in the community so that fewer need a hospital bed and making services more efficient.

Mr Lejk said: 'I hope to build on the firm foundations established by Wendy, in particular her unique contribution to the partnership as managing director of Norfolk County Council which is something that will continue to be invaluable.'

Mr Lejk was appointed Chief Officer of South Norfolk CCG in January 2016 and also took on the role of Chief Officer for North Norfolk CCG in September 2016.

For the past 20 years Mr Lejk has worked mostly within the NHS, much of it as chief executive of two NHS Trusts and a primary care trust, with a spell as a chief executive of a charitable company.

Wendy Thomson said: 'As the STP moves from set up to delivery and becomes focused on the priorities set out In the latest guidance, it is right for me to pass the executive lead to an NHS colleague.

''I will remain actively involved, and fully committed to transforming Norfolk's health and care system to serve our community well now and into the future. I look forward to working with Patricia Hewitt, the recently-appointed STP independent chair.'