On 1 October 2014 NHS England announced plans designed, in part, to streamline and align the functions and structures which support the organisation to work more effectively – both nationally and regionally – to minimise duplication and make more effective use of our resources.

A single integrated team for each of the current regions has been developed. Four geographical locations have been identified in each region, taking into account factors such as: numbers of relationships with CCGs, Trusts, Local Authorities, population size and patients flows.

Today NHS England is announcing the following appointments to the Directors of Commissioning Operations roles in NHS England:

• Moira Dumma – Yorkshire and the Humber
• Graham Urwin – Lancashire and Greater Manchester
• Clare Duggan – Cheshire and Merseyside
• Wendy Saviour – North Midlands
• David Sharp – Central Midlands
• Andrew Reed – West Midlands
• Andrew Pike – East
• Anthony Farnsworth – South West
• Felicity Cox – South East

Dame Barbara Hakin, National Director: Commissioning Operations, NHS England said: “I am delighted to welcome them to their new roles and look forward to continuing to work with them.

These new roles will be key in the single integrated regional tier. Whilst the individuals will have responsibility for their sub regional patch, they will be working flexibly as part of the regional team.

The roles in those sub-regions where we have not made appointments will be advertised more widely – but still internally within NHS England – early next week.

It is our expectation that shadow arrangements for the new sub regions will be in place from 5 January 2015, with appointed individuals therefore taking up these new roles from that date.”