One of the most senior GPs involved in pushing forward the Government's commissioning agenda is to leave his NHS job for a private sector role.
Dr Paul Zollinger-Read is to become group medical director for BUPA after leaving his post as director of commissioning development for NHS Midlands and East. Dr Zollinger-Read has been involved in a national role as lead for the Department of Health on pathfinder learning development, and has been chief executive of five different PCTs. He also has more than 20 years' experience as a practising GP.
Dr Zollinger-Read, who was placed 15th in Pulse's list of the 50 most influential GPs of 2011, said: ‘I'm very excited to be joining the team at BUPA. I'm looking forward to further developing BUPA's healthcare expertise, realising our purpose to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives.'
An NHS Midlands and East spokesperson said: ‘Paul goes to his new job with our best wishes and thanks for his excellent contribution to the NHS across the Midlands and East, most recently in supporting local doctors and nurses in creating the new clinical commissioning groups that will place clinical leadership at the heart of the NHS.'
‘Prior to that his leadership of PCTs across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, North Essex and Yarmouth and Waveney has shown his considerable passion for the delivery of ever-better health and healthcare for those the NHS serves.'
