Chairman of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, Chris Martin, is to retire next year.

He made the announcement in a New Year message released last week.

"As we reach this year's festive period, it is always a good time to reflect on the last 12 months and look forward to the challenges to come in the New Year and beyond and this year is particularly poignant as I have decided to retire in 2014 after some 13 years in public service," he said.

"I am approaching a significant birthday in 2014 and it is time for me to hand over the reins at Hywel Dda University Health Board to a new chairman. This has been a very difficult personal decision as I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of leading such a wonderful organisation, so it is with a heavy heart that I have informed the Minister for Health and Social Services that I will retire in June next year.

"Working in the NHS as chairman of four separate organisations has been a privilege and I am indebted to all those dedicated colleagues who have supported me over the years. I have also been humbled by the fantastic staff in all of the organisations who have worked tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of patients right across the three counties and beyond.

"Over the next six months I will continue to lead our organisation with the same enthusiasm and dedication and in return I ask for your support to deliver high quality safe sustainable services to our population," he concluded.