CQC hires primary care professional

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has hired primary care professional Alison Holbourn to its senior team.

Currently chief executive officer of the GP-led social enterprise, Warrington Health Plus, Ms Holbourn will join CQC in August as deputy chief inspector of primary care.

Reporting to the chief inspector of general practice, Professor Steve Field, Ms Holbourn will support the current inspection programme for primary medical services. Her experience will also help her contribute towards the development of CQC’s overarching strategy, in particular its approach to regulating new models of care.

‘I am delighted to be joining the CQC primary care team. This is a fascinating and fast-moving time for the sector and I’m happy to be joining an organisation that helps to improve care for patients across the country and that highlights best practice,’ said Ms Holbourn.

The new recruit will be one of four deputy chief inspectors in the Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Directorate and will have responsibility for regulatory activity in the north of England, leading a team of around 70.

Professor Field said: ‘We recognise that the way care is delivered is changing and the way we register, monitor and inspect will evolve to reflect these changes and new models of care.

‘Alison’s solid experience of leading new models, in particular her work with the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, make her an asset to the organisation as we complete our current inspection cycle and develop our five-year plan.’

Ms Holbourn has worked in primary care from the 1990s, in management, academic, research and consultancy roles. Previous posts include director of GP-led social enterprise, Salford Health Matters, head of primary care and associate director North Cheshire Health (Authority), GP fund holding manager at Castlefields Health Centre, and academic and consultant roles in primary care and primary care contracts. She has significant academic interests in health care, having worked as a senior lecturer at the University of Chester, University of Manchester, Liverpool John Moores University and Cass Business School.

Biography highlights:

• 2015: CEO, Warrington Health Plus (GP-led social enterprise)
• 2012 – 2015: Primary Care Programme lead, NHS Warrington
• 2006 – 2014: Founder Director of Salford Health Matters

Ends

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