A leading GP and one of England’s foremost health experts have
been chosen to co-chair a new forum which will help oversee the
delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan.
Following a nationally-advertised recruitment process, Dr Clare
Gerada has been appointed as clinical chair, and Professor Sir
Chris Ham as non-clinical chair, of the NHS Assembly.
Building on the collaborative approach to developing the NHS Long
Term Plan, published on 7 January, the Assembly will bring
together a range of individuals from across the health and care
sectors at regular intervals to advise the Boards of NHS England
and NHS Improvement on implementation of the improvements it
outlined.
The Assembly will be formed of around fifty individuals, drawn
from national and frontline clinical leaders, patient leaders,
staff representatives, health and care system leaders and
voluntary, community and social enterprise sector leaders, who
will bring their experience, knowledge and links to wider
networks to inform discussion and debate on the NHS’ work and
priorities.
Dr Gerada has more than 35 years experience practising medicine,
alongside leadership roles with the Royal College of General
Practice, Department of Health and British Medical Association,
and has been a driving force behind efforts to ensure NHS staff
receive tailored mental and physical health support when they
need it.
Sir Chris was chief executive of the Kings Fund think tank from
2010 to 2018, following 18 years as professor of health policy
and management at the University of Birmingham, during which time
he advised the Department of Health, World Health Organisation
and World Bank among others.
As co-chairs, they will provide leadership to the group, ensuring
its effectiveness and promoting the work of the assembly within
the NHS and among wider partners, with the aim of seeking wider
involvement from staff, patients and the public.
Lord David Prior, NHS England chair,
said: “The Long Term Plan was drawn up by, and
based on the contributions of, those who know the NHS best –
staff, patients, the public and other health experts. The NHS
Assembly provides a channel through which those voices can
continue to be heard as we work towards delivering the ambitions
that it sets out, and both Chris and Clare are exceptionally
qualified to ensure that is the case.”
Baroness Dido Harding, NHS Improvement chair,
said: “Like so many others do in so many different
ways, Chris and Clare have dedicated their careers to the NHS,
and care passionately about its future. I look forward to working
with them and the rest of the Assembly members to ensure that our
shared goals, as set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, are met.”
Expressions of interest in becoming a member of the NHS Assembly
close on 6 March 2019, with more details available on
the NHS Long Term Plan website.
Those expressions of interest will be reviewed to ensure the
Assembly benefits from a diversity of backgrounds as well as
knowledge and experience of different parts of the health system,
with appointments expected to be completed in early March.
