Update on NHS Changes – appointment of Cluster Chair
Changes to the NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
NHS England has today announced that following a recent appointment and interview process, Dr. Jeff Farrar QPM, IStJ has been named as Chair of our NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Gloucestershire ICB cluster.
He will take on the role with immediate effect.
Dr. Farrar has been Chair of NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB since 2021 and was also previously Chair of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
Over a long career, Dr. Farrar has shown great passion for high-quality care, championing the rights and needs of vulnerable citizens and innovation and excellence in public services. He has a strong commitment to ‘Place’ based working and the power of partnerships and this is something we all recognise will be crucial moving forward.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Jeff Farrar QPM, OStJ said:
I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair at this pivotal time for the future of the NHS. As we come together as a cluster this year, it’s vital we make the most of our collective strengths, maintain strong local partnerships and ensure that the voices of service users, carers, the public and staff are at the heart of what we do.
This year will be really tough for the ICB Boards as they continue the considerable progress made in reducing waiting times for local people, ensuring quality and safety in services, including supporting essential service transformation, and living within their means financially in a challenging environment.
I am very conscious that ICB staff have experienced a prolonged period of uncertainty and I will work closely with the transition committee to ensure we are doing everything we can to support them through the changes ahead and develop the right structures to deliver for patients and the public.
Looking forward it’s really encouraging to see that both current ICBs have excellent Joint Forward Plans that align to the 10 Year Health Plan and are very clear on local priorities. I am excited to be playing my part in delivering the longer term changes that will be needed to develop a strong and sustainable NHS for future generations.
Finally, I would like to recognise the outstanding contribution of Dame Gill Morgan who recently announced her intention to stand down as Chair of NHS Gloucestershire ICB after many years of dedicated public service. The local health and care system has benefitted hugely from her wisdom and experience over many years and has so much to be proud of.
Interim Regional Director, NHS England South West, Sue Doheny commented:
Jeff is an exceptional Chair and we are really pleased that the Cluster will benefit from his extensive knowledge and expertise. We very much look forward to working alongside him, local leaders and health and care partners to build on the significant progress already made in the area to ensure the NHS is delivering for local people and is well equipped to deliver the priorities set out in the 10 Year Health Plan.
What next
The current two ICB Boards will retain their statutory responsibilities this year under the clustering arrangement but will work in even closer partnership including gradually developing joint governance arrangements.
The Chief Executive appointment process is underway, and an announcement will follow shortly. Once the Chief Executive role is appointed, they will work closely with the Chair to agree an executive structure for the cluster, who in turn will then progress the detailed work on the functions and structures of the new organisation.
This continues to be a very unsettling time for ICB staff, and we are doing all that we can to provide colleagues with timely updates and opportunities to discuss the change process as new information becomes available.
All of the previous briefings and updates that have been written about NHS Changes can be found on our website: Changes to the NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire - BNSSG Healthier Together.