A GP at the heart of controversial plans to re-configure hospital services in Huddersfield has a new role after the merger of the NHS body he fronted.
Skelmanthorpe GP Dr Steve Ollerton had been clinical chair of the Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group since 2013.
In his role he faced much public criticism over plans to close the A&E at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and move services to Halifax.
However, Greater Huddersfield CCG and North Kirklees CCG merged on April 1 to form NHS Kirklees CCG and Dr Ollerton has stepped back to become a GP member of the new governing body instead.
Carol McKenna, the chief officer for both Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees CCGs prior to the merger, moved over to the same role at Kirklees CCG.
The top GP role will be taken by Dr Khalid Naeem, a partner at Mount Pleasant Medical Centre in Batley. He held the role for North Kirklees CCG.
On the merger Dr Naeem said: “Although our two local CCGs have worked together for a number of years, the creation of a single NHS commissioning organisation for Kirklees marks a significant milestone.
“Over the coming year we will remain committed to maintaining our roots in local communities and working closely and in partnership with primary care networks, GP practices, Kirklees Council, health and care providers and other partners.”
NHS Kirklees CCG will serve a registered population of around 440,000 people and have a membership of 64 GP practices. The new organisation will keep its headquarters in Huddersfield town centre and, once the current restrictions are lifted, continue to hold public and other meetings across Kirklees.
The creation of a single CCG for Kirklees won’t result in changes to local NHS services or impact directly on patients, their families or carers.
Dr Razwan Ali has been confirmed as clinical vice-chair of the new CCG. Dr Ali is a GP and partner at the Junction Surgery in Moldgreen. He has been a member of NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG governing body since 2016.
