Mike Farrar named as NHS Confederation chief

The NHS Confederation has announced that Mike Farrar is to be its new chief executive.

Farrar, currently the chief executive of North West Strategic Health Authority, plans to spend a period of time meeting and listening to the organisation’s members in the NHS and independent sector before taking over from acting chief executive Nigel Edwards.

Edwards will remain in post until September, to allow for a hand-over period, and will work independently providing policy advice and expertise to a range of organisations including The King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust.

Farrar said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining the NHS Confederation. This is an absolutely critical time for the NHS and there has never been a more important time for the organisation to be punching its weight and shaping the system on behalf of all its members.

“I am particularly keen to ensure that we improve the relationship between health and social care on behalf of patients.”

The Confederation’s chairman, Sir Keith Pearson, added: “Mike is an outstanding leader who knows healthcare inside out. He really understands the concerns of our members and I know he will give them a strong and powerful voice on the national stage.”

Farrar has been chief executive of the North West England SHA since May 2006. He was previously chief executive of West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authorities, chief executive of Tees Valley Health Authority and head of primary care at the Department of Health.