CSU director leaves recovering commissioning group

Stephen Childs was appointed to the lead role at Cumbria CCG in 2016 and held the post alongside his job at the North of England CSU.

North Cumbria CCG announced last week that Mr Childs stepped down from the interim role at the end of March.

Mr Childs was brought in to help the CCG recover from being placed in legal directions after being rated inadequate and to support the organisation through boundary changes.

When he took over, the CCG was part of one of three success regime regions trying to turn around troubled health economies.

North Cumbria CCG was formed following the split of Cumbria CCG, with the practices in the south of the county joining Lancashire North to create Morecambe Bay CCG in April 2017.

North Cumbria CCG was taken out of legal directions by NHS England in January.

Mr Childs said he “could not be prouder” of the progress the CCG has made. He added: “I have had one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my career with the team at NHS North Cumbria CCG.

“There is no doubt the organisation faced a challenging time, but the staff are committed, hard working and ambitious for our patients and our community.”

His responsibilities will be taken on by medical director and accountable officer Dr David Rogers, who will be supported by chief operating officer Peter Rooney and chair Jon Rush.

Mr Rush said the CCG was grateful for Mr Childs’ hard work and commitment.

He added: “Stephen’s influence and impact has been enormous, he provided a steadying hand which has enabled and empowered our teams to make a real difference.

“Through his leadership the CCG is no longer under formal directions from NHS England and his partnership working has enabled us to develop a health and care system locally and regionally that is committed to more integrated working to do our best for our patients.”