04.03.19
Three CCGs appoint joint chief executive in integration push
A single chief executive has been appointed to jointly lead three CCGs in the south west in a bid to improve integration across the groups and the region’s STP.
Tracey Cox will take up the role of chief executive at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire CCGs, and will also lead the STP for the area.
The CCGs will also share a broader management team, although they will continue to pursue their existing separate plans for integration across the region, with the structure of the team yet to be decided and no full merger expected.
Cox is already the accountable officer for Bath and North East Somerset CCG and interim senior responsible officer for the STP, and the CCGs said the joint appointment would allow her to oversee ongoing improvement and integration of services.
She will oversee closer working between the three CCGs with more focus on streamlining and more efficient and collective use of resources.
Cox said: “With our local health and care system facing unprecedented demand and financial pressures, it’s now more important than ever before that health and care providers work in a joined up and seamlessly integrated manner.
“Where it makes sense, we will work collaboratively to deliver health and care improvements for a larger population across the region.
“We will also continue with our existing plans for local integration and transforming services that benefit our local communities and are responsive to people’s needs.”
Ian Orpen, chair of the STP’s clinical board, said that Cox’s appointment asserted the local health and care system’s commitment to integrated working which would deliver improved health, services, and value for money in the region.