Great News from Sarah Blow - Chief Executive ICB
I wanted to let you know that NHS England has announced the appointment of Mike Bell as the new independent chair for NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) from 1 May 2023. Mike’s new role sits alongside his current role as Chair of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in South East London, a position he has held since July 2022.
Mike is an experienced NHS Chair with a long history of working in South West London. I know that I speak for all of us in saying that we look forward to welcoming Mike, and working more closely with him as he takes on his new role. Having worked with Mike for a number of years, I know that his knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to us as we continue to progress our collaborative work to improve outcomes for local people.
Mike Bell said: “I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Sarah, the team and our partners at South West London. I know we have much to be proud of in South West London with a deep partnership between our acute trusts which is delivering some of the shortest waiting times for operations in the country and our local authorities and community partners leading innovative practices to keep our communities well and improve their well-being.
“But with this pride in our record there is no complacency. Our mental health services are facing an unprecedented increase in demand, our GPs and pharmacists are working harder than ever before but too many people are still ending up in hospital with avoidable conditions. By working together we can build a really joined-up system that ensures that local people get a good start in life, and are supported to stay well with earlier interventions and access to smarter, faster services. We also know that there is a huge difference in the health outcomes between our wealthiest and poorest communities; tackling these health inequalities will be central to our work as we move forward together.”
Helen Pettersen, NHS England London Regional Director, said: “I would like to congratulate Mike as he takes on this hugely important role. Mike’s extensive local knowledge and leadership experience, combined with his ability to build impactful, lasting partnerships across health and care, will be a real asset for the people of South West London.”
I know you will all join me in making Mike feel welcome now he has taken up his role.
