The appointment of the senior surgeon who has held a number of key clinical leadership roles comes after the Department of Health earmarked £215m to tackle hospital waiting lists.

Health minister Mike Nesbitt said: ‘I am delighted that Mark has agreed to take on this role with my department and I am looking forward to working closely with him.

‘There are many vital facets to the ongoing drive for elective care recovery in Northern Ireland – including reform, investment, improved productivity and reducing clinical variance.

‘The overriding goal, of course, has to be to get many more people off waiting lists.'

Professor Taylor said: ‘I am honoured to be chosen by the minister for this vitally important post.

‘Our hospital waiting lists are nothing short of a national shame and I intend to work relentlessly with department and HSC colleagues to help turn things around.

‘This is a long-term challenge – the minister has spoken previously about being at the foothills of it. I will be devoting all my energies to it and I know colleagues will be doing the same.'