News

New health leaders to drive health and care in London

Sir David Sloman, NHS London’s Regional Director, has today announced the names of the senior health and care chairs appointed to lead London’s five emerging Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

The five chairs will take on responsibility for the future of London’s health and care systems which serve the 9 million people who live in our capital. Their role will oversee greater partnership working between the NHS and London Borough Councils, leading the way to improved health, care and wellbeing for all Londoners.

In a city where 2 million people suffer mental health problems each year, 40% of 10-11 year olds are obese and 1 million people smoke, the NHS, alongside London councils, Public Health England and Greater London Authority are drawing on the skills and expertise of the voluntary sector on a mission for Londoners to live longer and healthier lives.

Sir David Sloman, Regional Director for London’s NHS said:

“It’s not just the NHS that helps to care for us and keep us well. Councils, charities and community groups also play a vital role in keeping Londoners healthy.

“These five outstanding leaders will help improve care for all Londoners by organising health and social care services that work best for patients – regardless of organisational boundaries.

“This is all part of our ambition to make London the healthiest city in the world, and the best place to receive care.”

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, London Councils’ Executive Member for Health & Care, said:

“London boroughs welcome these appointments, which show the NHS recognises the need to join up health and care and wider public services.

“This is an important step towards ensuring all Londoners have access to more seamless local services improving their health, care, and wellbeing.”

The formation of Integrated Care Systems was a key commitment from the NHS Long Term Plan. By April 2021 ICSs will cover the whole country.

The successful candidates are:

North Central London Mike Cooke
North East London Marie Gabriel CBE
North West London Dr Penny Dash
South East London Richard Douglas CB
South West London Millie Bannerjee CBE

Mike Cooke
Mike is currently independent chair for North London Partners in Health and Care and has accepted the role on a permanent basis. Mike has been responsible for delivering public services in North London for the last 14 years, seven of which were spent as Chief Executive of Camden Council. He previously held various HR and transformation leadership roles and is a Non-Executive Director at Central and North West London FT.

Marie Gabriel CBE
Marie has over 30 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director in health, education and the voluntary sector and is currently Chair of both East London NHS Foundation Trust and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Marie is a resident of North East London and was awarded a CBE for services to the NHS in 2018. She currently holds Trustee positions at Foundation for Future London, East London Business Alliance and the West Ham United Community Foundation.

Dr Penny Dash

Dr Penny Dash has worked in the healthcare industry for the last 35 years, focusing on health-system strategy and advising local, regional and national health systems globally. She is currently Senior Partner and Head of Healthcare for Europe at McKinsey & Company and was previously a Trustee and Vice Chairman for the King’s Fund, a Non-Executive Director of Monitor and Head of Strategy and Planning at the Department for Health.

Richard Douglas CB
Richard Douglas has worked across the Department of Health and NHS. During his time at NHS England and Improvement he has worked in non-executive roles and in both phases of his career he chaired executive committees, Board committees to facilitate system coordination at a national level. Most recently he has held the position of Associate Non-Executive Director at NHS England.

Millie Banerjee CBE
Millie has worked across the private and public-sector in a number of chair and non-executive roles. She is currently the chair of NHS Blood and Transplant and the College of Policing. Previously she has been a NED of both East London NHS Foundation Trust and Barts Health. Prior to that she was the chair of Postcom, a NED in Ofcom, Channel 4 and the British Transport Police.