North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) has announced the appointment of Sam Allen as its chief executive.
Sam joins the trust from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where she was chief executive for four years. She will take up her new post at the end of January 2022, ahead of the ICS becoming a statutory organisation from April 2022.
Commenting on the appointment, Sam said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to help make a difference to the lives of people within the communities we serve.
“Working together ever more closely across health and care services means we can have a positive impact on population health and wellbeing. It will also enable us to play a vital role in the region’s economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am really looking forward to meeting health and care staff across the area, connecting with people who use services locally alongside working with our partners to embed a strong collaborative future across the area served.”
Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, chair designate of the ICB, added: “I am delighted that Sam has been appointed to this crucial role for our region.
“She brings a wealth of experience which will be invaluable as we work together to tackle the issues that matter to our communities and deliver a shared ambition to reduce longstanding health inequalities, support people to live healthier lives, and deliver the highest standards of care.
“I would like to thank Alan Foster, our current executive lead, for his leadership and commitment over the past two years which have, without doubt, been our most challenging ever. Alan has played a vital role in our region’s response to the pandemic and in building the strong foundations we need for our future ICS and partnership working.”
The recruitment process for a new CEO at Sussex Partnership is now underway. Chief Nursing Officer Dr Jane Padmore will take over as Interim CEO.
