New NHS 'cluster' organisation launched

The first board meeting of NHS South of England was held in Newbury yesterday (Monday)

NHS South of England officially came into effect yesterday (Monday).

The new ‘cluster' organisation, made up of three former strategic health authorities (SHAs) – NHS South Central, NHS South East Coast and NHS South West – held its first board meeting in Newbury yesterday, confirming Dr Geoff Harris as chair and Sir Ian Carruthers OBE as chief executive, as well as all other board members.

The new organisation – one of four strategic health authority clusters across England – has been formed from the previous 10 SHAs in England to ensure the organisations are well placed to continue to improve NHS performance and deliver the NHS reforms during a period of transition.

From March 31, 2013, the strategic health authorities will be succeeded by a new NHS Commissioning Board, working with local clinical commissioning groups, led by GPs.

At the first board meeting, NHS South of England approved the appointments of executive and non-executive directors, and agreed corporate business and priorities.

Dr Geoff Harris said: “There are many challenges ahead but I am confident we will be able to meet these given the exceptional calibre of the people who have been appointed to lead the organisation for the next 18 months.”

Sir Ian Carruthers OBE added: “This is an exciting phase for the NHS. The number one priority is to keep our focus on improving the quality of care and NHS services for the benefit of the 13.4 million people who live in the south of England.

“We also need to make sure services are delivered in a timely and efficient way, so that the taxpayer receives value for money.”

The NHS South of England will oversee an annual budget of £20.7 billion and more than 284,000 NHS staff, with the board meeting every two months at one of three venues across the south, one of which is Newbury.