Sir John Oldham is to lend his expertise to the government’s policy strategy in helping the ambition to bring care closer to the community come into fruition.

Having accepted a direct ministerial appointment to the Department of Health and Social Care, Sir John will work closely with the Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, to kickstart the move to a Neighbourhood Health Service.

Sir John has extensive experience as a GP as well as experience in primary care, change management, and leading improvement programmes. Having been national clinical lead for quality and productivity at the Department of Health from 2010-2013, he has worked with creating large-scale change in the delivery of services and redesigning the urgent care system.

Amongst other positions, he has also been a member of the Care Quality Commission and chair of the Commission on Whole Person Care.

Sir John’s role follows Lord Darzi’s 2024 independent investigation of the NHS which highlighted the need to transform the health and care system into a Neighbourhood Health Service that moved care closer to home in order to create healthier communities, spot problems earlier, and support people to remain independent for longer.