A Government health watchdog has appointed a new chief inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care and will begin the role in March.

Dr Rosie Benneyworth has been appointed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and will take over from Professor Steve Field.

Dr Benneyworth said: “I am delighted to be joining the CQC as chief inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care. I am looking forward to building on the work that Professor Steve Field has progressed over the last few years in primary care, and working with colleagues to develop mechanisms for ensuring safe and effective care in emerging integrated care systems.”

A GP for 15 years, Dr Benneyworth has helped develop and improve the health care system in Somerset. She has had a longstanding interest in improving quality of care for peopel and has held many clinical leadership roles.

Ian Trenholm, chief executive at CQC, said: “We’re delighted that Dr Rosie Benneyworth will be joining us. Dr Benneyworth bring invaluable experience of health and care from a range of perspectives in her roles as a GP, her work at NICE and most recently leading Strategic Clinical Services Transformation at Somerset CCG.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Steve for his enormous contribution to CQC over the last five years, establishing our approach to inspection of primary medical services and integrated care. I look forward to building on this important legacy with Rosie.”