The head of the health safety watchdog, HIQA is quitting for a new post in the UK.

HIQA Chief Executive Dr Tracey Cooper has been with the organisation for seven-and-a-half years.

She is to take up a new post as head of Public Health Wales.

Dr Cooper has been responsible for developing HIQA since its establishment in 2007, during which time its regulatory and inspection role has expanded to cover areas such as hospital safety, nursing homes, childcare and disability services

She will step down from the HIQA post in June.