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NHS London announces sector chief executive appointments

NHS London is pleased to announce the appointment of six chief executives who have been tasked with strengthening the acute commissioning process for Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across London.

The appointments follow discussions in May 2008 when London PCT Chief Executives and Chairs agreed that new arrangements were needed in order to strengthen the commissioning of services from the acute sector. As a result six sectors have been developed across London which will lead on this work.

The introduction of the sectors will create larger commissioning entities which will ensure that there is greater leverage, consistency, economies of scale and expertise when entering into commissioning agreements. Also, in 2009/10 the SHA will task the six sectors to take on full responsibilities for acute performance management. However, the sectors will not diminish local accountability as each one will be required to operate on behalf of, be performance managed by and responsible to, its constituent PCTs.

In addition, to reduce health inequalities and improve quality and wellbeing PCTs must become world class commissioners of primary and community services. Within the sectors this will be achieved by PCTs working with local government partners to strengthen borough based commissioning.

The appointed sector chief executives are all existing PCT chief executives and will continue to remain in that role. It is anticipated that the additional time commitment for the appointees will be up to two days a week. They will have responsibility within their sectors for; acute commissioning, strategic change and service redesign; ensuring clinical engagement and leadership; and continuing to strengthen commissioning in their sector, which will include ensuring that acute commissioning is consistent with each PCT's plans for borough level commissioning, modern responsive community services and partnership working.

Ruth Carnall, Chief Executive at NHS London, said: "We have some major strategic challenges in our hospitals across London. These need to be faced head on to ensure that all Londoners can access personal, safe, accessible, high quality care. Effective commissioning is the way that we will ensure we achieve this in the future. I look forward to working with the six sector chief executives and their colleagues in delivering the healthcare Londoners deserve.“

The six sector chief executives are:

• South East London – Simon Robbins, Bromley PCT
• Inner North East London – Alwen Williams, Tower Hamlets PCT
• Outer North East London – Heather O'Meara, Redbridge PCT
• North Central London – Rachel Tyndall, Islington PCT
• North West London – Michael Scott, Westminster PCT
• South West London – Ann Radmore, Wandsworth PCT

Ends

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact Steve Gladwin on 020 7932 3725
email: steve.gladwin@london.nhs.uk
Out of hours contact 08700 555500 and ask for pager Lon01