We are delighted to announce that Anita Charlesworth has been made Acting Chair of NHS North West London and the North West London Integrated Care System. Anita succeeds Dr Penny Dash, who has been appointed Chair of NHS England, from 1 April. Her appointment for a six-month period will allow time for the appointment of a substantive Chair.
Anita is currently our Deputy Chair and has been with NHS North West London since its inception on 1 July 2022, including chairing our Performance Committee. She is a health economist based at the Health Foundation where she is co-chairing an independent commission on NHS productivity. She is a member of the Economic and Social Research Council and Royal Economic Society and an expert adviser to the Health and Social Care Select Committee. Previously, she was Director, public spending at HM Treasury and held various roles in the UK government.
Anita Charlesworth said:
“I’m pleased and proud to be appointed Acting Chair. We have made great strides under Penny’s leadership in setting out how the system works, developing integrated neighbourhood teams and putting measures and strategies in place to improve the quality of care in primary care, mental health, cancer services and urgent and emergency care. Plans are under development to improve elective care, end of life care and maternity services. We know that there are big challenges ahead on the future shape of the ICB following recent national announcements and these sit alongside the need to improve access, tackle health inequalities and make sure we are delivering value for money. I plan to be an active Chair. Over the next 6 months we need to ensure that people – those who work in NW London and the population we serve – are at the heart of everything we do. Working in partnership across the system is critical to ensure our residents get the best possible care.”
Dr Penny Dash said:
“I have very much have enjoyed my time at NHS North West London. We have managed to make good progress in many areas, led by front line teams and supported by colleagues in the ICB and I am proud of the way we have led the country in much of this work. I know Anita will be an excellent appointment as Acting Chair and wish her and NHS North West London every success.”
Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London said:
“I am delighted to welcome Anita to the role of Acting Chair. As the current Deputy Chair, she will provide leadership and stability during a period of change. She also has a passion for improving health services and tackling inequalities and a strong track record working in health economics that will benefit the people of north west London during this period.”