Three CCGs to appoint joint accountable officer

Redditch and Bromsgrove, South Worcestershire and Wyre Forest CCGs intend to appoint the accountable officer this year.

The accountable officer will lead the single management team that has been in place across the three CCGs for over a year.

A job advert, published today, said the CCGs will accept applications for the post until 23 June and will start interviews in the first week of July.

HSJ understands the CCGs do not intend to merge.

As part of plans, Carl Ellson, clinical chief officer for South Worcestershire CCG, will step down from his role. The accountable officer role at Wyre Forest and Redditch and Bromsgrove CCGs will remain unfilled following the resignation of substantive accountable officer Simon Hairsnape.

Commissioners aim to tackle Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG’s £5.5m deficit from last financial year, which was £8m worse than planned at the beginning of 2016-17.

Board papers published by South Worcestershire CCG on 23 March said: “Financial recovery is being progressed as a single approach across the three CCGs – whilst placing particular emphasis on resolving the deficit in [Redditch and Bromsgrove] CCG.”

The three CCGs were also subject scrutiny earlier this year over plans to ration knee and hip surgery.

Find out more about the role at HSJ Jobs here.