A NEW chairman and clinical lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which represents GPs in town, has been appointed.

Working in the NHS for 20 years, Dr Richard Davies will lead the organisation that is responsible for commissioning a wide range of health services for local people, including hospital, community and mental health services.

Dr Davies has been leading the CCG on an interim basis since taking over from Dr Jonathan Wells in January 2016.

The appointment of Dr Davies to the position has been approved by the Local Advisory Forum and NHS England.

In a statement, Dr Davies, said: “I’ve very much enjoyed this role over the past seven months and I’m delighted to have been appointed to the position on a permanent basis.

“I’ve already developed a number of key working relationships both within the CCG and the wider NHS community and plan to build on these, alongside using my knowledge and experience to offer patients the best healthcare services possible.

Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG represents 22 constituent GP member practices covering acute hospitals, community services and prescribing services for a population of over 170,000 people.