THE head of health services in mid-Essex is stepping down after three years because "it's time to move on".
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, chair of the NHS Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "I'm proud to have been able to play my part in making clinical commissioning a reality in mid Essex.
"I've been ably supported by the CCG board, its clinical leads and my managerial colleagues, as well as enjoying the backing of our member practices.
"It's not been an easy decision but having successfully worked with front line professionals to set the transformation agenda and lay the clinical vision for the next five years I feel it's time to move on.
"I leave the organisation in the knowledge that we have achieved much and there continues to be a wealth of talent within the organisation to take this work forward."
"The process for appointing a new chair will be started immediately but in the meantime Keith Andrew, deputy chair (lay member), and Bryan Spencer, vice chair (clinical) will be covering the roles of chair and senior clinical lead for the CCG on an interim basis."
The GP, who lives in Springfield and works at the Writtle Surgery for one day a week, was named as one of the country's top ten up-and-coming GPs by her peers in medical magazine Pulse last year.
The CCG is responsible for planning and buying healthcare in Chelmsford, Braintree, Witham, Maldon and Halstead, and works to get services meeting local needs by engaging communities and local groups in consultations.
Mr Andrew said: "Lisa has spent the past three years leading the CCG and I would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment.
"She has given much to the organisation and her time with us has been characterised by decisive and constructive clinical leadership combined with transformational zeal and acumen.
"As we take forward the clinical vision that she has been instrumental in determining we will continue to listen to the views of our member practices and the people we serve, as we deliver our five year plan."
