Former trust CEO takes up regional medical director role

NHS England’s London region has announced Chris Streather will be the new interim medical director for the capital.

Dr Streather is currently medical director and deputy chief executive at the Royal Free group of hospitals in north London.

He replaces Vin Diwaker, who is leaving the post to become national NHS England medical director for secondary care and transformation.

Dr Streather has held a number of significant roles in the capital, leading the 2008 reconfiguration of stroke services, running an academic health science network, and being chief executive of South London Healthcare Trust. He also worked as medical director for American firm HCA.

The regional role will be covered by Jane Fryer until Dr Streather takes up the post at the start of next month. He will undertake the role on secondment from the Royal Free.

Interim NHSE London director Andrew Ridley made the announcement to staff yesterday. The Central London Community Healthcare Trust chief executive has been the interim regional director since December. Previous regional director Sir David Sloman left to become chief operating officer at NHS England.

HSJ understands the process of recruiting a substantive replacement has not yet started.