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Colin-Thome to head up Primary Care Commissioning

Former primary care tsar Professor David Colin-Thomé has been appointed as the new chair of the Department of Health advisory body Primary Care Commissioning.

Professor Colin Thomé was, until 2010, national clinical director of primary care at the DH, a post he held for nearly 10 years. He retired as a GP in Runcorn in Cheshire in 2007.

Primary Care Commissioning has historically provided advice and practical support to PCTs and the primary care professions. It works closely with PCT clusters, CCGs, primary care providers, the NHS Commissioning Board and the DH and also runs NHS Networks, an online networking resource.

Helen Northall, Primary Care Commissioning´s chief executive, said: ‘I am delighted that David has agreed to serve as our chair. David brings enormous experience to the role, which will help Primary Care Commissioning develop its role in the transition to the new commissioning system and beyond."

Professor Colin-Thomé said: ‘PCC has always played a valuable role in supporting the development of primary care, so I was very pleased to be asked to take the chair. The directors and staff share my belief that clinical leadership is vital and that, in any healthcare system, primary care is what makes the system tick."