18.02.16
Three NHS leadership positions change hands
Three key NHS leadership positions are facing a major shake-up, with the NHS Confederation chief executive stepping down and new appointments for the co-chair of NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC) and an adviser on NHS estates.
The Confederation, which represents 85% of NHS providers and commissioners, announced yesterday that Rob Webster will leave the post, which he has held since February 2014.
Webster, who has led the Confederation through some troubled times, including industrial action in 2014, is moving on to become CEO of the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the NHS Confederation and to represent our members during a critical period for the health and care system.
“I would like to thank the staff, trustees, partners and members for all of their support. The time is now right for me to return to front line care.”
Elsewhere, the government has appointed Sir Robert Naylor, chief executive of University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust, to act as a national adviser on NHS property and estates where he is to lead a programme focusing on NHS buildings and land in London.
The appointment follows Lord Carter’s recommendation that the health service introduce a new standard on efficient use of resources, including estates, to contribute to £5bn savings over the next five years.
Health minister Lord Prior said: “Our aim is to secure a major contribution to the government’s housing ambitions and develop a modern, up-to-date health estate.”
Today Dr Graham Jackson, clinical chair of Aylesbury Vale CGC, was also appointed as co-chair of NHSCC with Dr Amanda Doyle, replacing Dr Steve Kell.
Dr Jackson, who will take up the post at the end of March, said: “I strongly believe in the difference that clinically-led commissioning can and is making for our patients and local populations, and know first-hand how important it is that CCGs are given the right environment to work in if we are to make the most of the opportunities that it offers.
“NHSCC has already achieved a lot to ensure this, and I look forward to working with Amanda, the rest of the board, and the team, to continue with this work and make sure our member’s voices are heard.”
Dr Kell, who wrote for NHE last year on his recommendations for how NHE can deliver more for their patients, said: “There is no doubt that there are challenging times ahead, but I know Graham, Amanda and the NHSCC board, will step up to this challenge and continue to successfully influence to make sure that CCGs have the right environment to undertake the vital transformation work that the NHS needs.”