Penny Dash has been named as the government’s preferred candidate for the next chair of NHS England.
Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has invited the Health and Social Care Committee to hold a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing with Penny Dash.
Penny Dash is the chair of the NHS North-West London Integrated Care Board and is currently leading a major review into the regulation of the quality of health and social care in England. A former NHS doctor, Penny was Senior Partner and co-lead of the Global Healthcare Systems and Services Practice within McKinsey and Company, with a focus on Europe. She was also Head of Strategy for the Department of Health and Social Care.
She was selected following an open public appointment process to appoint a successor to Richard Meddings.
Following the select committee hearing, the committee will set out its views on the candidate’s suitability for the role. The Secretary of State will then consider the committee’s report before making a final decision on the appointment.
Penny is expected to take up the role in April and a process to recruit a new Chair of the ICS and ICB would then take place.
Rob Hurd, Chief Executive, told the NHS North West London Integrated Care Board:
“Penny has been an inspirational Chair and a valued colleague over the last four years and we are delighted to see her recommended for such a key national leadership role. While her leadership and insight across the North West London system would be missed, the NHS as a whole can benefit greatly from her vision and expertise.”