NHS England and NHS Improvement have appointed Dr Timothy Ferris as director of transformation, to lead the organisation’s new Transformation Directorate.
The new directorate brings the Improvement programme within NHSE, leading on outpatient transformation programmes, together with digital teams from NHSX. One of the reasons behind the two units joining is believed to be to help support the organisation’s in working closer together and drive collaboration to re-design patient care pathways, as well as to continue on from the successes and pace seen during the past year in terms of progression with digital.
Dr Ferris, a primary care physician since 1996, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief executive of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organisation, is set to take up the post on secondment in May.
His work has led to roles at a national and international level, including chairing the steering committee of the National Quality Forum, multiple committees at the National Academy of Medicine, membership on the Secretary of Health and Human Services independent advisory council on physician payment policy, and a non-executive director on the board of NHS Improvement.
Dr Tim Ferris, said: “The NHS and its staff have responded magnificently to the COVID-19 pandemic and I’m proud and excited to take up this role as the health service integrates convenient yet cutting-edge technology into patient care.
“The successful NHS vaccine programme and development of new therapies for COVID-19 has shown that the NHS can be hugely agile and innovative.
“I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that the NHS continues to stay at the forefront of developing and adopting new technologies and treatments to improve health and treatment.”
Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS, said: “The NHS has had an extraordinary year in which our staff have innovated in response to COVID-19, developing ground-breaking treatments and care. As a physician-leader with a global reputation, Dr Ferris will help drive and embed this momentum and ‘can do’ spirit, as we move beyond the pandemic.”
Matthew Gould, CEO of NHSX, said: “Dr Ferris’ appointment is excellent news for the NHS, and for driving its digitally-led transformation.
“Over the past year, NHSX has helped the health and care system bring virtual consultations, remote working and remote monitoring of patients at home into the mainstream. Today’s news is another step putting digital transformation at the heart of the NHS, and accelerating the pace of transformation.”
