Dr Penny Dash has been confirmed as chair of NHS England following a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing last week.
Dr Dash – an NHS doctor with a long history in management consultancy and policy roles – is currently chair of North West London ICB and led the damning review of the CQC which found ‘significant failings’.
Before taking up her leadership position at North West London ICB in 2021, Dr Dash was a senior partner at the management consultancy McKinsey for many years, and she had also been head of strategy for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the early 2000s.
A DHSC appointment notice said that Dr Dash would be focusing on rebuilding the NHS as part of the government’s 10-year health plan.
The appointment, which is for four years, will start from 1 April 2025 and will pay £63,000 per year with a time commitment of two to three days per week.
The notice said: ‘Dr Dash was selected following an open public appointment process to appoint a successor to Richard Meddings, who is due to step down by April 2025.
‘Following the select committee hearing, the committee set out its views on the candidate’s suitability for the role. The Secretary of State considered the committee’s report before making the final decision to confirm the appointment.
‘The appointment process was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.
‘As such, the appointment was made on merit and political activity played no part in the selection process.’
Health secretary, Wes Streeting said: ‘I am delighted to confirm Dr Penny Dash as the new Chair of NHS England. She is a radical reformer, with the skills and experience we need to help fix our broken NHS and make it fit for the future.
‘I look forward to working with her as we continue to tackle the waiting list backlog, unleash innovation in health services, and support our healthcare staff to deliver the timely care patients deserve.
‘I would also like to thank Richard Meddings for his dedicated service, helping to guide the NHS through the aftermath of the pandemic.’
Dr Penny Dash said: ‘I am honoured to have been appointed the new Chair of NHS England.
‘I am excited to start working with my NHS colleagues and the government to accelerate the process of renewal and rebuilding to make sure the NHS continues to serve the needs of its communities and its staff. The 10 Year Health Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the NHS to take on the challenges of the future and I look forward to playing my part.’
Last month it was revealed that North West London ICB was offering a £4m funding pot to PCNs who plan to improve access by 10%.
This 10% activity boost requirement for 2024/25 funding follows the ICB’s previous proposal, to deliver a ‘single point of triage’ for same-day, low complexity demand.
