We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dame Gill Morgan DBE as NHS England South West Regional Chair, following an open and competitive appointment process.

As set out in the Model Region Blueprint, as Regional Chair Gill will provide visible, independent non‑executive leadership across the region, working with Regional Directors to develop a coherent strategy to deliver against the 10 year health plan, ensuring improved life expectancy and quality of life, consistently high quality and efficient services and reduced inequalities in health outcomes.

The Regional Chair will work with Provider and ICB Chairs to deliver against that strategy and ensure high performing Boards, and work with the regional executive team to support improvement and intervention.

Gill brings extensive experience of board‑level leadership, having had a long and distinguished career in the NHS, government and third sector, including being Chair of Gloucestershire Integrated Care System, Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government and Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation.

One of seven new regional Chairs across England, Gill has a strong track record in strategy, improvement and governance, and a clear commitment to public service values and inclusive leadership.

The Regional Chair role is central to strengthening leadership across the NHS at a time of significant change, supporting the delivery of the NHS’s long‑term priorities including improving health and reducing health inequalities. shifting care out of hospitals and improving productivity for example through digital transformation.

Gill said:

“Having moved to the South West more than 25 years ago, I am very committed to the NHS in this region, so I am really pleased to be taking on this role.

“Over the years in various roles I have visited every organisation and seen first-hand the commitment, innovation and deep community connections of the people who work here.

“I look forward to working with Chairs, leaders and partners across the region to continue developing our unique and special ways of working.”

Interim South West Regional Director, Sue Doheny MBE, said:

“We are delighted to appoint such an outstanding new Chair with the experience, expertise and credibility to make a real difference for the South West.

“Health and care services across the region are on a positive journey of recovery, but we also face complex and long‑standing challenges that demand strong, collaborative leadership.

“Gill will play a vital role in both supporting and constructively challenging leaders across the system, helping us deliver the very best outcomes for patients and communities now, and for the future.”

NHS England Chair, Dr Penny Dash, said:

“Regional chairs will play a critical role in strengthening leadership and governance across the NHS to improve health and the quality and productivity of services. I’m delighted we have been able to attract a high-calibre group to take on these roles, each bringing the experience, independence and commitment to public service needed to support Chairs, systems and regional teams at a time of significant change and opportunity. I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we continue to deliver the reforms set out in the 10 Year Health Plan and improve services and outcomes for patients and communities.”

Gill chaired Gloucestershire Integrated Care System from 2019 to September 2026. During that time, Gloucestershire had particularly well-developed primary care and neighbourhood services as well as being a pioneer of population health approaches.

Gill has extensive senior leadership experience in a number of NHS and other roles including Director of Public Health for Leicestershire, Chief Executive of North and East Devon Health Authority and Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation. She also held the position of Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government between 2008 and 2012.

Gill has been Chair of NHS Providers between 2014 – 2019 and also Chaired the Alzheimer’s Society before nursing her mother through her final illness. She is a past president of the International Hospital Federation.

Gill attended University College London Medical School and holds a number of honours and professional qualifications, including receiving a DBE in 2004. She has received training in public health, general practice and hospital medicine.

Gill will take up post on 1 April for an initial 3‑year term, working part‑time in line with the non‑executive nature of the role.