Sir Ciarán Devane has been announced as the new chief executive of NHS Confederation and NHS Providers.
A new organisation has been formed by the merger between NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation. The membership body will represent frontline NHS organisations across the healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The legal merger concluded on 13 January and the new membership body will launch in April with name and branding to follow.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers is now stepping down from his role.
Sir Ciarán has been chair of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland since 2019.
Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the joint board between NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, said: “I am delighted that following a highly competitive and rigorous process, Sir Ciarán Devane will become the inaugural chief executive of the new membership body that will represent frontline NHS organisations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Sir Ciarán’s experience across the public and voluntary sectors, and his deep understanding of NHS organisations, make him a strong leader to steer our new organisation during a critical period for the NHS.
“On behalf of our joint board, I would also like to thank both Daniel Elkeles and Matthew Taylor for their exceptional leadership across NHS Providers and NHS Confederation in getting us to this point. Without their leadership, we would not be bringing our two organisations together for the benefit of our respective members and partners.”
Sir Ciarán Devane said: “I am honoured to lead this unified membership body at such a crucial time for the NHS and wider health and care services. By bringing together the strengths of both organisations, we can create a single, powerful voice that supports NHS leaders and staff, helps them to improve their services and ultimately to improve care for local communities. I look forward to working with our members, partners, stakeholders and staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in achieving this vision.”
