THERE is a new face at the helm of Thurrock Clincical Commissioning Group (CCG) following the election of Dr Anil Kallil as the new Chair.

Dr Kallil has been working as a GP in Orsett for 14 years. Before this he worked in Hospital Medicine.

Dr Kallil is one of the clinical leads for the Thurrock Health Hubs, he has also sat on the CCG's Governing Body since 2017 supporting and advising matters of quality and patient safety.

He has been a former board member and interim medical director for a former out-of-hours primary care provider.

Dr Kallil was also a board member for Thurrock Primary Care Trust before it was officially granted the legal status as a CCG.

He says: "I am delighted to be elected as Chair for Thurrock CCG. We face a challenging time with reconfiguration of health services across Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, as well as the proposed merger of the five CCGs.

"I believe the CCG will be well placed to navigate these changes as we move forward.

"It is important that CCGs are lead from a clinical perspective, so that they can commission the best possible quality care and experience for patients.

"I look forward to working within our wider system and the Thurrock Integrated Care Alliance to ensure the health and care of the people of Thurrock is improved by us working together."

Dr Kallil replaces Dr Anand Deshpande who served as Chair for the last two terms of office. Dr Deshpande will continue to serve on the Board as a GP Board Member.

The CCG also has a new member on its governing body.

Alan Hudson has joined the team as the Lay Member for Patient and Public Involvement.

Mr Hudson has been an important voice in Thurrock relating to health and care for some time.

He has served as the Chair of the Thurrock Commissioning Reference Group, an advisory body made up of Thurrock residents that provide local insights and feedback on future CCG commissioning decisions.

He has also been a strong supporter of the Lung Health Checks programme coming to Thurrock and has taken a hands on approach in guiding the communication and patient involvement of the programme.

Mandy Ansell, Accountable Officer at NHS Thurrock CCG, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Alan to our Governing Body.

"I have seen first-hand how dedicated Alan is to Thurrock and especially to health and care provision in our area.

"Alan brings with him an incomparable level of knowledge in healthcare in Thurrock which makes him a valuable contribution to our team and a powerful advocate for Thurrock residents.

"We are all very lucky to have him."

Mr Hudson said: "It is so important that the voice of Thurrock residents is represented at a time when improved health and social services are being designed and delivered.

"I will try and ensure that the CCG continues to conduct itself with openness and honesty with Thurrock residents at the heart of all decisions."