Media release: Westminster PCT welcomes new Chief Executive

11 March 2008

		Michael Scott has been appointed Chief Executive of Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) and will take up the post in mid-May. Michael joins the PCT from the Audit Commission, where he is Regional Director. He is responsible for the audit and inspection of public sector organisations in Central England and has National responsibility for the Commission’s work with Foundation Trusts.

Michael has extensive experience of the NHS, where he has worked for eight years as a Chief Executive, most recently at the NHS Modernisation Agency and University Hospital Lewisham.

Michael said: ‘I am delighted to be taking on this exciting opportunity. Westminster has a track record of achievement which I plan to build on. My priorities will include establishing Westminster as a World Class Commissioning PCT, working closely with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and tackling health inequalities in partnership with the City Council.”

Westminster PCT Chair, Joe Hegarty, said he was delighted by Michael’s appointment and was looking forward to working with him.

“Michael’s track record of leading successful organisations in the NHS speaks for itself, and his role at the Audit Commission means he also brings an in-depth knowledge of partnership working, particularly with local government. I am confident that Michael will further strengthen our already robust relationship with Westminster City Council and other local partners, and help to achieve our combined vision of a healthy Westminster.”

Michael has held senior posts in the NHS including Chief Executive of the NHS Modernisation Agency, Chief Executive of University Hospital Lewisham, and Chief Executive of Derby City Hospital. Michael started his career in Social Services before moving to the NHS and then the Department of Health.

For more information please contact Westminster Primary Care Trust’s Communications Department 020 7150 8243

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Note to editors:

1. Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) is the NHS body responsible for health services in Westminster. The PCT came into being on 1 April 2002. We share our boundaries with the City of Westminster, extending to Regent’s Park in the north, Queen’s Park in the west and Covent Garden in the east. Our southern boundary follows the north bank of the River Thames. While we serve 244,000 residents, there are a million people who live, work and visit Westminster each day and can use our services. Westminster PCT employs just over one thousand staff.

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