Professor Sir Terence Stephenson has been appointed chair of NHS Providers - the membership  body representing every NHS hospital, mental health, community and ambulance service in England.

Sir Terence currently serves as chair of the Health Research Authority and will take up his new role with NHS Providers in February.

The chief executive and deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Sir Julian Hartley and Saffron Cordery, said: "We are delighted that Terence is joining us to take up this important and challenging role at a critical juncture for our members, patients, and the wider NHS.

"He brings a wealth of experience as a prominent and highly respected leader and practitioner in health and care which will be invaluable in guiding us and our members at such a time of change and challenge in the health service.

"In the coming weeks, Terence will help to kickstart the process to recruit our next chief executive and support us in our work to help shape the forthcoming 10-year health plan.  

"We would like to express our thanks to our board members and NHS Providers colleagues who have run a fair and competitive process to find the right person who will provide leadership and support for our members, influence key decision makers, and inspire our staff."

Sir Terence replaces Sir Ron Kerr, who is coming to the end of his second and final term.

Sir Ron Kerr said: "I am hugely proud of NHS Providers and everything it has achieved since I became chair. NHS Providers is a successful and highly regarded membership organisation which will continue to go from strength to strength under Terence’s leadership.

"NHS Providers has represented its members with tireless tenacity and real impact during one of the most challenging periods in the NHS’ history and I have no doubt that this will continue in the future."

Professor Sir Terence Stephenson said: "There are many challenges facing the NHS but also opportunities to make it better for patients, staff and communities.

"With the 10-year health plan on the horizon, I look forward to having the opportunity to work with the fantastic team at NHS Providers to deliver this change.

"By working with partners across health and care, government and beyond, we can create a 'next generation' NHS."