An interim chairman has been appointed for Great Yarmouth and Waveney's NHS group.

Liam Stevens will take up the role until a permanent chairman is appointed for the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

It follows the news earlier this month that John Stammers, who had been at the helm of the local CCG since its formation in 2013, was stepping down.

Dr Stevens, who is the clinical vice chairman of the CCG's governing body, is a GP partner at East Norfolk Medical Practice GP and works at Newtown and Caister Medical Practice in Great Yarmouth. He entered practice in 1986 after graduating from St Mary's Hospital Medical School in 1982, and training for general practice in Essex.

Before joining the governing body, Dr Stevens was a GP trainer for 23 years and course organiser for the local GP training scheme for five years.

He said: 'I am looking forward to chairing the CCG through the coming months. Our team continues to work hard for local people, and I am proud to be part of this CCG.'

Melanie Craig, chief officer with the CCG, said: 'Liam has been a member of the governing body for more than two and a half years, and as such his appointment will ensure continuity for the CCG.

'He will serve as interim chair for the next five months which will give us stability through the busy winter period and to allow us sufficient time to appoint to the position on a permanent basis.'