Dr Ruth Edwards has been appointed as the Chair for Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group.

Dr Edwards, a GP in Dudley, has been one of the CCG Board members and Clinical Executives for the past six years. Speaking about the appointment, Dr Edwards said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the new chair of Dudley CCG and excited to work on the ambitious agenda pursued by them. I will continue to support the CCG and Dudley Primary Care, respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, whilst also overseeing the restoration and recovery of our local NHS services.

"I wish to thank David Hegarty for his commitment and dedication to Dudley CCG over the years. David has led with influence and passion and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him.

"I plan to continue the partnership work towards closer integration of health and social care services for Dudley residents, and also on the wider Black Country footprint with our neighbouring CCGs”.

The appointment follows the decision from Dr David Hegarty MBE, to resign after seven years of leading the organisation. Dr Hegarty has had a period of serious ill health, after returning to support the response to Covid-19 he has now taken the decision for resign and focus on his health and family. Dr David Hegarty said:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Dudley CCG over the past seven years, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. During my time as chair I have been supported by the CCG Board, its clinical leads and my managerial colleagues, as well as enjoying the backing of our member practices.

"It’s not been an easy decision, but I leave in the knowledge that we have achieved so much and there continues to be a wealth of talent within the organisation to continue our great work. Ruth will make a fantastic leader for the organisation moving forwards.”

Mr Paul Maubach, Chief Executive, Black Country and West Birmingham CCGs added:

“It has been a tremendous privilege to have worked with David for the last eight years. He has been a great leader who has always shown real passion for the wellbeing of people; and for improving the health and quality of care for the population of Dudley.

"We are very fortunate that David is handing over the chair to another very experienced GP in Ruth and I look forward to the progress that we can make for the future, building on the terrific legacy that David leaves with us”.

Dr Edwards will start her role as chair on the 1st July 2020.