King’s fund director of policy Anna Dixon is to join the Department of Health as director of quality and strategy.

Dr Dixon has previously worked at the DH in the strategy unit. As director of quality and strategy and chief analyst she will report to Richard Douglas, director general of strategy, finance and NHS.

She said: “I am delighted to be taking up this new role at the Department of Health at such a critical point when many organisations are taking on new responsibilities in the NHS and public health system.

“I look forward to working closely with colleagues in the Department as well as partners across the health and social care system to address the key strategic issues facing us, not least among which is the challenge of securing high quality care for patients and users.”

DH permanent secretary Una O’Brien said Dr Dixon would bring “expert insight” at a time of “great change” for the department.