Local authority leader appointed ICS chair

Paul Najsarek was this morning announced as the chair of North Central London Integrated Care Board.

Mr Najsarek was chief executive of Ealing Council for six years until 2021 and replaces former Camden Council boss Mike Cooke at the ICB.

In a statement Mr Najsarek said there were “undoubtedly challenges” on the NCL patch but added: “NCL is a place where partnerships are central and where different organisations are aligned around a shared population health ambition”.

The former Harrow and Bolton council chief executive is also a non executive director at South East London Integrated Care Board and is a governor at the Health Foundation. He also does advisory work for the Care Quality Commission.

North Central London ICB serves the populations of Camden, Islington, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey boroughs.

NHS England regional director for London Caroline Clarke said in a statement: “The chair of any integrated care board is an extremely important position, so it gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Paul Najsarek to North Central London.

“As the Darzi report sets out, staff are the beating heart of the NHS with a shared passion and determination for making the NHS better for patients - but it is also clear they are facing unprecedented challenges. ICBs are integral to the work that needs to be done, working with NHS England and the government, to create a 10-year-plan to improve healthcare.

“I am really looking forward to Paul’s extensive and broad experience bringing real value to supporting the clear plans and progress that north central London is already implementing.”

NCL ICB chief executive Frances O’Callaghan said: “The wealth of local government and healthcare experience that Paul brings from his 30 years will be invaluable in supporting north central London.”

Mr Najsarek was also the chief executive of Thrive LDN, a mental health initiative in the capital and part of the team that drafted the “Every Child Matters” strategy for the previous Labour government in the wake of the Victoria Climbie case.

The integrated care system is currently working through a process of reconfiguring maternity services across the patch, which will reduce the number of maternity units from five to four.