Dr Paul Darragh, based in the Mid-Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt, takes over from Dr Brian Patterson.
Dr Darragh, married with a son who is currently a medical student, said: ‘No-one could possibly be unaware of the current crushing financial pressure brought to bear on health services and I will strive to ensure that high quality, frontline health services are maintained.
‘These financial constraints have made it imperative that the BMA should continue to work constructively with the minister for health and departmental officials and I look forward to doing so.
‘I believe it is important that the BMA continues to lead the way in tackling other issues which impact on both doctors and patients. These include the need for proper commissioning of services, tackling the H1N1 virus, ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained and confronting public health issues such as obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.'
