Bermuda Hospitals Board has announced a raft of new senior physician appointments.

Michael Ashton has taken over as Chief of Medicine from Dr Keith Chiappa, who will continue as a neurologist.

Dr Ashton will work with the directors of each medical speciality as well as the department chiefs to set medical policy and advise the Chief of Staff and BHB Board of Directors. He will also continue as an infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist.

Chief of Staff, Michael Weitekamp, welcomed the appointment.

“Dr Ashton’s extensive experience as a physician and over four years’ experience at BHB should position him well to work with his directors in developing medical services at BHB,” he said.

Bermudian-born Dr Ashton joined BHB in November 2011 as an infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist.

Dr Weitekamp also unveiled several other chief appointments saying: “These chiefs essentially oversee groups of specialist doctors who are mostly private practitioners.”

Dr Nicola Terceira is taking over from Dr Fiona Ross as the Chief of Family Practice and General Medicine.

Dr Sylvanus Nawab has taken on the role of Chief of Paediatrics following the retirement of Dr Eugene Outerbridge.

Dr Terrylyne Emery will become the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, while Dr Wendy Outerbridge is taking over from Dr Lynette Thomas as the Director of Nephrology.