Ian Dalton quits NHS Commissioning Board for BT

Mr Dalton will become the company’s president of global health.

Mr Dalton was named chief operating officer and deputy chief executive of the Commissioning Board only last year. The organisation is due to take on its full powers, under the government’s reforms, in April.

He has previously worked as chief executive of NHS North of England and of two hospital trusts, and worked on the reconstruction of civilian health services in Iraq.

Mr Dalton said in a statement: “I am excited by my new role with BT, which will allow me to utilise my experience to work with health systems across the world. However, it has been a huge privilege to have contributed to the NHS in so many key roles over the years and to have worked with so many caring and dedicated NHS staff. 

“I have been impressed by the NHS Commissioning Board’s passionate focus on the interests of patients and I am confident it will deliver real improvements for the future. For the next period, my focus will be on delivering what I am sure will be a successful transition for the operations directorate of the NHS Commissioning Board.”

Board chief executive Sir David Nicholson said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian for his significant contribution and dedication to the NHS over many years.  Ian has worked incredibly hard to drive forward better health outcomes for patients. Ian will be missed and I wish Ian all the best in his new role at BT.”

No successor or interim arrangements have yet been announced.