The Integrated Care System for the North East and North Cumbria has appointed former Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, as Chair.
The ICS said the appointment is part of its plans to take collective responsibility with partners in the region for planning and delivering care, managing resources, and improving the health and well-being of the population.
Initially Sir Donaldson will be responsible for setting up of a Partnership Board to shape the planning of health and well-being services in North East and North Cumbria. The Partnership Board will develop and agree the main regional priorities to improve population health which will, in most cases, be implemented locally by partners and will not cut across the current statutory accountabilities of local organisations.
Sir Liam said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of Chair for the Integrated Care System in the North East and North Cumbria. Whilst we are fortunate to have some of the best services in the country, we are historically a region with high levels of premature death and preventable illness.”
“We have an opportunity to address this with real focus and determination. We must aim to close the long-standing health inequality gap with a clear plan to support our population to live healthier and have higher quality lives. COVID19 has brought a new and formidable challenge that also is a priority.”
“On a personal note, I have a deep attachment to this region, so I approach the job with a strong commitment to work with all partners to move us up the health league table.”
Alan Foster, Executive Lead of the ICS in the North East and North Cumbria, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sir Liam to this new position of chair of the Integrated Care System in the North East and North Cumbria and look forward to working with him on the formation of the Partnership Board and delivering on our ambitious plans to transform the health and wellbeing of our local population.”
“We come from a great starting point with a long and proud history of joint working across the region which has become even more stronger as we pulled together to tackle the challenges of the pandemic this year.”
