The new chairman of Oxfordshire’s health and social care watchdog warned about the impact of “unprecedented cuts” as his appointment was announced.

Larry Sanders was yesterday named as the chairman of Healthwatch, the official watchdog for county NHS and social services, after a vote by its board.

Mr Sanders said: “Oxfordshire NHS and the county council face unprecedented cuts. Healthwatch Oxfordshire must make sure that these changes do not threaten our wellbeing or safety.”

Jean Nunn-Price MBE – a former chairwoman of South Oxfordshire Patient and Public Participation Forum – has been elected vice chairwoman.