Four new appointments to the NHS England (NHSE) board are expected to bring “invaluable insight and experience” according to NHSE chair Richard Meddings.
The appointments include Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, former chair of both the Royal College of GPs and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
While still practicing as a GP, Stokes-Lampard currently works at the University of Birmingham as a professor of GP education.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, a highly respected leader in life sciences, will also join. Lechler was previously deputy chair at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust as well as more recently being president of the Academy of Medical Science.
“…we are adding such a strong level and range of expertise…”
Also joining as non-executive director is Jane Ellison, who, after serving as public health minister for three years, worked for the World Health Organisation with her most recent post being executive director of external relations and governance.
Completing the quartet is Mark Bailie, chief executive at Compare the Market, who has a history in banking and finance. Bailie worked with the NHS during the pandemic to set up its test and trace project.
“I’m delighted that we are adding such a strong level and range of expertise to the NHS England board,” says Richard Meddings on the new appointments.
Meddings says their input will be “vital” as the NHS looks to drive forward transformation plans.
He adds: “I know each of the new directors will bring invaluable insight and experience to the NHS as well as helping us to further improve the experiences of patients – I look forward to working closely with them all.”
Two new associate non-executive directors will also be announced shortly. NHSE says their expertise lies in workforce and larger systems technology, and will strengthen the board in the wake of the merger with Health Education England and NHS Digital.
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