Changes to the leadership of health services are taking place ahead of the closure of wards at King George Hospital.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley last month approved controversial plans to shut the maternity and A&E wards at the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, meaning the nearest hospital for those services will be Queen’s in Romford.

In an interview this month with the Post NHS Outer North East London (ONEL) chief executive Heather Mullin said the plans would not be implemented until significant improvements had been made at Queen’s Hospital, which was criticised in a report by the Care Quality Commission.

From December 5 Mrs Mullin will move from being ONEL’s chief executive to looking after developing plans for Health for north east London (NEL), which includes plans for reorganising hospitals in the area.

She said: “I am committed to delivering Health for NEL and the positive outcomes it will bring for our patients. I have spent the majority of my career here and I care very much about the services that local people receive.

“I am really looking forward to working with our local clinicians, who will be leading these vital changes, and to engaging with stakeholders.”

Alwen Williams, chief executive of NHS East London and the City, will also become chief executive of ONEL.