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New chair of body overseeing North London’s NHS primary care services named

Paul Najsarek has been unveiled as the new chair of North Central London Integrated Care Board

Paul Najsarek

A new chair has been named at the body which oversees the delivery of NHS primary care services in North London.

Paul Najsarek will take on the role at North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB), following approval of his appointment by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

North Central London ICB co-ordinates primary care services, including GP surgeries, in Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Camden and Islington boroughs. It also develops wider plans for delivering the health needs of the population.

Najsarek brings “a wealth of experience” to the role, having worked for over 30 years in predominantly local government and healthcare settings, including a decade at chief executive level. Most recently, he in charge of Ealing Council for six years, leaving in 2021.

As chair of North Central London ICB, Najsarek will provide “oversight, challenge and support” to the ICB, working closely with the executive and chairing the board, to ensure a wide range of perspectives are considered and that the strategies and priorities are delivered.

Caroline Clarke, regional director for the NHS in London, said: “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 ten-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.”

On his appointment, Najsarek said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chair for the North Central London Integrated Care Board.

“There are some fantastic foundations in the local health and social care system, with world-leading expertise and specialist care, and committed, talented staff working hard to provide the very best care

“However, there are undoubtedly challenges too.

“NCL is a place where partnerships are central and where different organisations are aligned around a shared population health ambition. There are already many examples of how system working is making a positive difference to patients and residents.

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring people together, building on the positive work already in place to improve the health outcomes and experience of local residents and reduce the inequality that we know affects so many in our communities.

“By continuing to work effectively, collaboratively and strategically, we want to continue to enable local people live longer, healthier lives, taking a preventative approach wherever possible and ensuring access to high quality health care for everyone in our community when they need it.”

Frances O’Callaghan, chief Executive of North Central London ICB, also welcomed the appointment and said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Paul as our new chair. Improving the health and wellbeing of residents and reducing inequalities needs partners across the whole system to work effectively and ambitiously together.

“The wealth of local government and healthcare experience that Paul brings from his 30 years will be invaluable in supporting North Central London and we are all looking forward to working with Paul to achieve this.”


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