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The UK's chief inspector of air accidents is the leading contender to run a new organisation which aims to make the NHS in England safer.

Keith Conradi's appointment as head of the new Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch is due to be confirmed at a parliamentary hearing next week.

Leading doctors have said for many years that healthcare has a lot to learn from systems which promote safety in the airline industry.

Mr Conradi was a professional pilot.

He took up his current role in as chief inspector of air accidents in 2010.

Scandals at Mid Staffs and Southern Health Trusts have highlighted failings in how the NHS in England responds to patients' complaints and deaths.

The new healthcare investigation body (HSIB) will begin work soon, with an initial budget of £3.5m.

It will carry out about 30 reviews a year.