A HEALTH chief has been appointed as the High Sheriff for Merseyside during a ceremony attended by the Queen.

Judith Greensmith, chair of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, was appointed last Thursday in a special meeting of the Privy Council.

Tony Bell, chief executive of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen NHS Trust said: “This appointment is a great honour for Judith and, on behalf of the Trust, I would like to congratulate her on this prestigious achievement.

“She has an exciting year ahead of her and I know that she will approach it with the professionalism, dedication and commitment she brings to her role as chair at the Trust.”

High Sheriffs are responsible for duties including attending Royal visits to the county they represent, the protection of Her Majesty’s High Court Judges, acting as the returning officer for parliamentary elections in county constituencies and the maintenance of the loyalty of the subjects of the Crown.

Mrs Greensmith will continue as chair of the Trust.