A CCG in South East England has appointed its patient representative as its accountable officer – one of the most senior positions on its governing body.
NHS East Surrey CCG, known as ‘ESyDoc’, confirmed it had appointed Elaine Jackson to the role.
CCGs must have at least two lay members on their governing bodies – one to act on engagement and experience, and one to oversee key elements of CCG governance – but few appoint lay members to such senior roles.
ESyDoc is comprised of 18 GP practices, covering a population of 170,000 in south east Surrey.
The CCG said Ms Jackson had regularly chaired meetings of its patient reference group, which discusses business decisions and local developments of extended services, including COPD .
It added: ‘[ESyDoc has] always discussed healthcare services with [its] patients and recent legislation has strengthened [its] resolve to consult and involve patients on all matters relating to future planning and provision of services.’
Dr Nigel Watson, chair of the GPC’s commissioning and service development subcommittee, said: ‘The appointment certainly goes above requirements for patient involvement.’
