NHS England (London) has announced the appointment of its new Regional Medical Director, Dr Vin Diwakar.

Dr Diwakar is a respected paediatrician and highly experienced clinical leader who has shaped the care of children and young people with rare and complex conditions in different organisations in Birmingham, the West Midlands and nationally. He brings many years of experience working as Medical Director, including in his current role at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and before that at Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Diwakar will provide clinical leadership to the wider London health system as it delivers safe, high quality care to patients.

Dr Vin Diwakar said: “There are few jobs that would take me away from one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals. There are many challenges for healthcare but these come with significant opportunities to improve people’s lives, reduce inequalities, and change the way we organise health and social care around the patient not institutions. London has an incredible track record and I’m looking forward to working with some of the most talented leaders in one of the world’s leading capital cities.”

Dr. Anne Rainsberry, Regional Director of NHS England (London) said: “I am delighted to announce Vin’s appointment to this key role for London’s NHS.  I know him to be an experienced clinical leader who knows the challenges facing the capital’s health service well and his rigorous approach will help drive up the quality of care across London.  He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to our leadership team and we look forward to working with Vin in the coming months.”

Dr Diwakar will begin his new role in January.