Hailsham GP Dr Richard Blakey has been appointed interim chair of NHS East Sussex Weald and Downs’ professional executive committee (PEC) of clinicians.
Dr Blakey, a member of the PEC since November 2007, took up his new post on 1 August following the decision by Dr Simon Eyre to step down as PEC chair.
The PEC supports the development of the strategic direction of NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald, the local primary care trust (PCT) for the Lewes, Eastbourne and Wealden areas.
A part-time GP at Seaforth Farm Surgery, Hailsham, Dr Blakey has a special interest in cardiology and runs an open access echocardiography (heart scanning) service for patients in Wealden as well as the Hailsham Community Cardiology service linked to Eastbourne District General Hospital. He has worked in general practice in East Sussex since 1991.
“My main priorities for the PCT are firstly are to try to minimise the impact of swine flu, both on the health of the population and on the infrastructure of the area - health, social care and other services. Another key priority will be to ensure the appropriate use of primary and secondary care services in advance of more difficult financial times in the near future, including working with GPs to further develop practice based commissioning and developing stronger links with social care,” says Dr Blakey.
Mike Wood, chief executive of NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, adds: “I am delighted Dr Blakey has agreed to chair NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald’s PEC until a permanent appointment can be made. Dr Blakey has been a member of PEC for nearly two years and has a wealth of experience in general practice and of working with other clinicians and other partners.”
