A key leader has today been announced for the new organisation that would lead to closer co-operation and integration of services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Prem Singh has become ‘Chair designate’ of the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) in anticipation of it becoming formally established in April 2022.
Prem was appointed as Independent Chair of Together We’re Better, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Integrated Care System (ICS) in November 2020. He has a background in nursing and has served at board level in the NHS for over 30 years.
Welcoming the appointment, ICS Director Simon Whitehouse said: “The Health and Care Bill 2021-22 has received a second reading in Parliament, and, under current plans, this would establish the NHS Integrated Care Board from next April. We need to ensure that we can hit the ground running if that happens, and we have a duty to put our leadership in place – it’s what local people deserve so that we can focus on the key priorities of tackling health inequalities and supporting the recovery of both services and staff from the ongoing pandemic.
“That is why today’s appointment as Chair designate is so important. We have confirmed the individual that will fulfil a key leadership role and it is someone who knows the area, is familiar with the challenges and is determined that we shall meet them head-on. We are really pleased that Prem has committed to undertake this crucial role and I know that system partners will fully support him in his desire to drive improvements for local people”
Prem’s appointment as Chair designate was recommended by NHS England and NHS Improvement and accepted by the Secretary of State following a robust recruitment process.
Prem said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair designate of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent NHS Integrated Care Board. All the Together We’re Better partners are committed to the process of further integrating and improving services across the area where this improves outcomes for local residents. We need to work differently though, and we need to support local communities to be resilient, whilst enabling people to make good choices about their own health and wellbeing.
“I am pleased that I will now have the chance to continue with the work we have already started. There is no doubt that tackling health inequalities and having an ambitious focus on making Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent one of the healthiest places to live and work, can only be delivered by working ever more closely for the benefit of local people and our staff.”
Work will start shortly to appoint the other senior designate roles for the ICB.
