New NHS England chairwoman does not see herself as ‘mouthpiece’ for Streeting
The Government’s preferred choice to be chairwoman of NHS England has said she does not see herself as a “mouthpiece” for the Health Secretary or Department of Health.
Dr Penny Dash (pictured) told MPs on the Commons Health and Social Care Committee she is “ambitious” and a “strong person”, as she was questioned over the direction of the NHS and what she plans to do.
She was undergoing scrutiny ahead of the Government confirming her appointment to the three-days-a-week £63,000 role.
It comes as the Government is expected to streamline the role of NHS England and take tighter control of it, including stripping out duplication of effort.
Amanda Pritchard announced on Tuesday that she is quitting as chief executive of the organisation from the end of March.
In the job description for the role of chair of NHS England, it states: “The Government has decided that NHSE and the Department (of Health) will work as ‘one team’ and this will be reflected in both the working practices of the staff and the leadership expectations of the chair and others.
“While the organisations will remain distinct legal entities, collaborative working will be the default approach.”
Asked whether she could reassure MPs she will not be just a mouthpiece for Wes Streeting or the Department of Health, Dr Dash said: “I’m a strong person. I have lots of thoughts, I’ve lots of ideas, I’ve written a lot.
“I’m very well networked in the system. I go back to data – data, data, data.
“The reality is you’re working within wherever the current ministerial and political team is, so I need to work with the system.
“But I wouldn’t describe myself as a mouthpiece for someone else.”
Asked what she would bring to the role in terms of her personality, Dr Dash said: “I’m ambitious. I’m ambitious for change.
“I care deeply about equity. I care deeply about quality of care. I think it’s unacceptable that some people get some sort of care, and other people don’t.
“I do care deeply about making good use of resources, and that’s a fundamental obligation.
“I do think we have a fantastic opportunity at the moment to make some real, tangible changes and shifts.”
Dr Dash told MPs she is “very comfortable” with the idea of NHS England and the Department of Health working more closely.
Conservative MP Gregory Stafford asked: “Are you saying that, under your chairmanship, the distinct line between the Department and NHS England will blur, become more collaborative than it is currently?
“I’m trying to get a handle on what the Secretary of State seems to be doing, and how comfortable or otherwise you are with that.”
She replied: “I’m very comfortable with the concept of what seems to be being set out at the moment of close collaboration. That’s the direction of travel, I don’t have a problem with that.”
Dr Dash also told MPs she views the possible decentralisation of NHS England as “largely positive”.
She added: “I definitely think there’s more latitude for people to decide locally.
“I’m definitely supportive of that. At the same time, I do think that there are things which could be better done once.”
Health committee chairwoman Layla Moran told Dr Dash there is a massive job to do in the NHS, adding: “This turnaround is huge.”
Dr Dash replied: “You would be hard pushed to find something of this scale and magnitude, anywhere globally, really, and I think we do need to recognise that.”
Sir James Mackey, who has been appointed interim chief executive of NHS England, is expected to stay on in that role for one to two years, Dr Dash further told MPs.
Asked how she would make NHS England more agile, she said: “I share your enthusiasm. I think it is a bit about, you know, start at the top.
“It is about bringing… some people talk a lot about hope at the moment, and I hope, I can bring some hope.
“But I think being clear on what it is we’re trying to do, being very clear on what is everyone’s individual role, and how do we recognise and support every individual.”
Dr Dash carried out a review of the work of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has worked as a hospital doctor, senior manager and director in the NHS.
She was also a partner with McKinsey management consultancy from 2009 to 2021.
Outgoing NHS England chief executive Ms Pritchard, who has come in for criticism from MPs in recent months, told staff in a letter that she agreed with Mr Streeting “that radical reform of the size and functions of NHS England and the DHSC is now needed to best support local NHS systems and providers to deliver for patients”.
“I believe that the step change now required would be best served by new leadership in NHS England,” she said.
Mr Streeting told reporters Ms Pritchard had given him “wise counsel”.
Asked whether he asked her to step down, he replied: “No, I have so much respect and time for Amanda Pritchard.”
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