THE new joint chairman of both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) has been confirmed.

Dr Julian Povey, with more than 25 years of experience as a local GP and the current chairman of Shropshire CCG, Dr Povey will take up his position from August 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021.

He will then be automatically appointed as chairman of the new single CCG from April 2021 for the remainder of his tenure.

Dr Povey says he was delighted to be named the joint chairman and hopes to keep improving services for the county.

“I am incredibly honoured that I have been selected to be the chairman of both CCGs," he said.

"This is a challenge that I am looking forward to and I aim to work on behalf of our population to strengthen healthcare across the CCG areas.

“Reducing the burden of health inequalities and the inequity of healthcare access is something that individually both CCGs have been working on and is something l will continue to champion.

“The two CCGs will continue in their current form until the end of July and it is right to acknowledge the efforts of both governing bodies and particularly of Dr Jo Leahy, the current chairman of Telford and Wrekin CCG.

“Jo has steadfastly and doggedly represented and fought for the public and practices in Telford and Wrekin and it has been a pleasure working alongside her.”