New chief executive joins health authority
A new chief executive has been appointed at the organisation that oversees health care in the West Midlands.
Ian Cumming will take up his post at NHS West Midlands, known as the Strategic Health Authority (SHA), in June. He replaces Cynthia Bower who left last year to set up the new Care Quality Commission.
Mr Cumming joins the region's Strategic Health Authority from his current role as chief executive of NHS North Lancashire. He has 25 years experience in the NHS and has been a chief executive for 14 years in acute hospitals and a primary care trust.
A healthcare scientist by background, Mr Cumming says he has a particular interest in developing clinical staff as leaders and in medical education.
He also holds the position of honourary professor at Lancaster University Management School and is vice-chairman of the UK's postgraduate medical education and training board.
He said today: "I am delighted to have been appointed and I am very much looking forward to joining the Strategic Health Authority and contributing to the great work already under way."
Elisabeth Buggins, chair of NHS West Midlands, added: "The NHS is facing challenging times and Ian will bring a wealth of experience with him from clinical, operational and management perspectives.
"I look forward to working with Ian in leading the region to deliver the healthcare people in West Midlands deserve."
Peter Shanahan has been the interim chief executive for the past 10 months.
The SHA covers Shropshire and Staffordshire, Birmingham and The Black Country and West Midlands south. It is responsible for the development of NHS organisations such as primary care trusts within the West Midlands region.
