05.10.15
Jim Mackey appointed CEO of NHS Improvement
Jim Mackey, CEO of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been named the new boss of NHS Improvement, the recently announced Monitor-NHS TDA merger.
Mackey, who has been leading Northumbria since 2005, will be in the full-time post from 1 November 2015 where he will start to bring together expert teams to deliver all of NHS Improvement’s responsibilities.
NHS Improvement is set to be in operation from April 2016. Ed Smith, chairman-designate of the organisation, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Mackey as the Chief Executive of NHS Improvement. He was the unanimous choice of the appointments panel.
“He has an exceptional track record in delivering change in the health sector, with 25 years’ experience in the NHS.
“Although I have only been in post for three months, I speak for my predecessor as chairman of Monitor, and indeed the whole organisation, in thanking David Bennett, chief executive of Monitor. He has made an enormous and invaluable contribution to the NHS and has been an outstanding leader. I wish him the very best for the future.
“I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Bob Alexander, who stepped up as chief executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority on an interim basis from April, for his commitment to and leadership of the NHS trust sector.”
Speaking about his appointment, Mackey said it had been a huge privilege to lead Northumbria. He added that the gap between the quality of care provided within the NHS must be reduced, and “our grip on managing our business and finance must be improved”.
“This will be my priority and focus for the coming years ahead and I look forward to working with health partners across the NHS and social care to support a more sustainable and integrated service for patients,” said Mackey.
Both NHS Providers and NHS Confederation have welcomed the appointment of Mackey.
Chris Hopson, CEO of NHS Providers, said that Mackey’s experience at the frontline gives him a “deep and invaluable insight” into what is needed.
“I know he will bring much needed honesty and realism to the task ahead. He will be an effective and influential champion and advocate for providers,” added Hopson. “He will also understand that success depends on a deeper and better partnership between local and national NHS leaders - we will sink or swim as a single service.”
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt noted that Mackey will continue the work to align Monitor and the Trust Development Authority and ensure that all providers are supported to provide excellent care every day of the week.