The NHS has announced today that Stephen Harrison has been appointed chairman of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust cluster.
The PCT cluster is the executive and governance function of the three PCTs for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, who collectively commission £1.5 billion worth of health services for their populations of around one million people. Mr Harrison was previously chair of NHS North Somerset, the local Primary Care Trust for North Somerset.
Deborah Evans, chief executive of the cluster said:
“I am delighted to welcome Stephen as chair for our cluster. He has already been doing an excellent job as interim chair and helping the three primary care trusts come together to work smoothly.”
“Stephen brings his wealth of experience from being chair at North Somerset and his previous council roles and I am glad to have him on board as we carry on the important work to get ready to hand over a well run health service to the Clinical Commissioning Groups in 2013. I would also like to thank the former chairs of NHS Bristol, Richard Weatherhead, and NHS South Gloucestershire, Melanie Gibbs, for all their much valued work and continued support during our transition into a cluster of PCTs.”
Mr Harrison added:
“I am very pleased to be appointed to this role. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing non-executive directors and the two chairs for their gracious support and contribution.”
Mr. Harrison has been involved with the NHS for over ten years, having been Audit Chair of Bath and West Community Trust and Chair of Mendip Primary Care Trust before his initial appointment as Chair of NHS North Somerset in 2006. Mr. Harrison’s professional career centred on the manufacturing and retailing sector. He also has experience as a local Councillor and Council Leader as well as being a member of the Board of the YMCA.
His appointment will run from 7th December 2011, and his remuneration will be £39,406 per annum. Subject to the Health and Social Care Bill becoming law, PCTs are due to be disbanded in April 2013.
Mr. Harrison’s appointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Mr. Harrison has declared his political affiliation as a member of the Liberal Democrat Party. He does not hold any other ministerial appointments.
Source: NHS South Gloucestershire
