Financially-challenged CCG appoints new chief ahead of merger

David Evans, currently chief accountable officer for Telford and Wrekin CCG, has been appointed to the joint post. 

He has been at Telford and Wrekin CCG since 2013 and, for a six-month period in 2016, acted as an accountable officer for both CCGs. Prior to this, he worked in various director roles for NHS providers in the West Midlands.

In a joint statement, the commissioners said David Stout, who was appointed as interim AO for Shropshire earlier this year, will continue to work within the health economy. However, it did not specify what role he would be carrying out.

Shropshire CCG faces significant financial challenges, with a deficit of £22.9m. HSJ understands it is set to receive the lowest rating in NHS England’s upcoming integrated assurance framework ratings for CCGs.

It was placed into legal directions by NHS England in 2016-17.

Telford and Wrekin CCG is currently reporting a deficit of £3.4m but has forecast to reach a breakeven position. 

In a statement, Mr Evans said: “The move from two CCGs across the county to a single commissioning organisation are part of changes we are seeing in the NHS to streamline its work and reduce duplication.

“I am looking forward to leading on the creation of a new organisation that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the population of Shropshire and working more collaboratively with our partners in health and social care.”

Last week, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock gave the green light for the reconfiguration of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust. This will downgrade the emergency department at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford to an urgent care centre, and move all emergency services to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in Shrewsbury.