NHS Confederation appoints new chief executive
A national healthcare charity has appointed a new chief executive to provide a valuable voice for organisations across the UK.
The NHS Confederation has recruited the former head of the General Medical Council Niall Dickson who will take over the reins from Stephen Dalton on 1 February.
Mr Dickson has enjoyed a successful career in health and social care and has worked in senior positions within the GMC and The King’s Fund, in addition to acting as social affairs editor for the BBC and editor of The Nursing Times.
Chairman of the Confederation Stephen Dorrell said Mr Dickson’s appointment will add “enormous value” to the organisation.
He said: “This appointment is a major coup for the NHS Confederation and will add enormous value to the myriad of skills and experience we already possess at this organisation.
“Niall will help ensure the NHS Confederation remains the first port-of-call when the health service needs a voice, binding in the highest levels of experience and influence across the full spectrum of health and care services.
“He brings with him a diverse range of skills and experience including superb leadership, a strong record of innovation and delivery, and a raft of invaluable contacts and carefully nurtured relationships in key areas.”
Outgoing chief executive Stephen Dalton has congratulated Mr Dickson on the appointment and wishes him well for the future.
He said: “I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Niall. This is an excellent appointment and I’ve no doubt that Niall will provide the leadership and wise contribution that’s needed in these challenging times for the NHS.
“It’s never been more important that we have a strong voice that represents the whole of the NHS and I know members will want to get alongside Niall.”
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The NHS Confederation is a membership body that speaks for organisations that plan, commission and provide NHS services.
Representing 85 per cent of providers, the organisation has almost 500 members across the health and social care sector, including hospitals, community and mental health providers, ambulance trusts and independent sector organisations providing NHS care.
As news of a health service in crisis dominates the media, Mr Dickson is taking up the position at a critical time but hopes to make a difference to a system that is struggling under an increasing amount of pressure.
He said: “The health and social care system is under massive strain facing unprecedented demand and severely constrained funding.
“It’s a great privilege to join the Confederation as it works with its members and partners to deliver better, safer care and the fundamental reforms that are needed to make the system sustainable.
“These are monumental challenges and there has never been a more important time for its various parts to come together locally and nationally.”