05.09.18
Lord David Prior chosen as next chair of NHS England
Former health minister Lord David Prior has been named as the government's chosen candidate to be the next chair of NHS England.
Taking over from Sir Malcom Grant in autumn, Lord Prior has plenty of previous experience in high-level leadership roles in the health industry.
He served as a Conservative MP for North Norfolk from 1997 to 2001 and previously held the role of chairman at the CQC and of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the CQC.
He is currently the chairman of the University College London Hospital NHS Trust and is a minister in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, having previously held the same role in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Lord Prior's appointment could still be challenged by the House of Commons health and social care committee, but the government does not have to heed its advice.
Responding to the proposal, chair of NHS Providers Dame Gill Morgan said: "We welcome this nomination. Lord Prior has a clear understanding of the needs of the provider sector and what it can deliver.
“We have worked closely and effectively with him in the past when he was chair of the CQC, and we look forward to renewing that good working relationship."
Lord Prior is invited to attend a pre-appointment hearing with the Health Select Committee on 10 September.
Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said: "We love the NHS and are determined to guarantee it for everyone for the long term. Lord Prior brings huge experience to this important role where he will help deliver the long-term plan for the NHS.
"He is enormously qualified, having led an NHS trust, been a former health minister and a chairman of the CQC. I look forward to working with Lord Prior closely and want to thank the outgoing Sir Malcolm Grant for his service to the role and the NHS."
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Image credit: Marbury