Change at helm of NHS

A NEW chief executive is to take over at NHS North-West.

Current head Mike Farrar is leaving the region’s strategic health authority to join the NHS Confederation as its chief executive officer.

He will be succeeded by Mark Ogden who is currently deputy chief executive and director of finance, capital and economic reform.

Mr Farrar has been chief executive since its formation in 2006. Before that he was director of finance, capital investment and information management and technology for Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority.

NHS North-West chairman Sally Cheshire said: “We will be extremely sad to lose such a talented and well-respected chief executive as Mike but are extremely lucky that we have such an able and experienced successor in Mark.”

Mr Ogden said: “I am delighted to be taking over. I am grateful for the opportunity to be leading such a talented organisation and I look forward to working towards delivering the future of the NHS.”