Bedfordshire CCG accountable officer resigns

Paul Hassan will leave his post at the financially troubled organisation at the end of this week. He currently serves in a part-time capacity, alongside practising as a GP in Dunstable.

The CCG warned earlier this month that its deficit could hit an £40m by the end of the financial year, which would be the largest recorded by any CCG so far.

The CCG’s chief operating officer John Rooke also announced his departure earlier this month.

• Troubled CCG says its deficit could reach £40m

Dr Hassan will be succeeded by Nick Robinson who will be full-time.

In a statement from the CCG, Dr Hassan said: “It is with regret that I have resigned as chief clinical officer of Bedfordshire CCG and will be leaving the organisation at the end of this week.

“I believe that, given our financial position, we need a full-time accountable officer who can give the difficulties we face their full and undivided attention.

“We have established a strong foundation in terms of our plans for financial recovery and transforming the delivery of healthcare in [Bedfordshire].

“Now is the right time to step aside and let a new accountable officer lead [the CCG] into the next phase.

Bedfordshire CCG chair Steve Hone said: “We welcome Nick to [the CCG]. We are fortunate to have appointed someone with his track record in the NHS and I look forward to working with him.”

He thanked Dr Hassan for “his huge contribution to the CCG and the support he has given [to me] as chair”.

Mr Robinson said he is “looking forward to working with GPs in Bedfordshire and [CCG] staff”.

“My immediate task will be to continue the work that has already been done to regain control of our finances and ensure we have the systems in place to deliver our financial recovery plans without compromising the high standard of care available to local people.”