Chief executive appointed to North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
Sam Allen has been appointed as chief executive of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS).
She will take up the post of chief executive for the Board at the end of January, ahead of the ICS becoming a statutory organisation from April 2022.
The North East and North Cumbria ICS is one of the largest in the country serving more than 3.2 million people across some of the most rural and isolated communities in England and densely populated urban areas.
Welcoming this appointment, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, chair designate of the ICB, said: “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.”
Commenting on her 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.”
Richard Barker, North East and Yorkshire Regional Director for NHS England said: “The leaders of our ICSs have a vital role working with all system partners to deliver excellent care and improve the health of the communities we support. Getting our leadership structures and governance right is important but integrated care is about practical, real improvements for local populations and the ICSs are uniquely placed to more this forward in bold and innovative ways.”