Mike's chance to make his mark in Oldham

Mike Barker

Mike Barker has been appointed to the post of Strategic Director of Commissioning/Chief Operating Officer across Oldham Council and NHS Oldham CCG.

Mr Barker replaces Noreen Dowd, who has been Oldham’s interim Executive Director of Transition and Chief Operating Officer.

Chief Clinical Officer, Dr John Patterson, will be increasing his hours for the next few weeks to provide cover until Mr Barker joins on October 1.

Mr Barker will play a key role as part of the Joint Leadership and Senior Management Teams and will lead and develop Oldham’s single commissioning function.

He will work with stakeholders to drive improved outcomes for all across the borough.

He comes to Oldham from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust where he was Director of Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive.

Mr Barker brings with him an impressive track record at Director and Board levels and has worked in the specialist, community, acute and commissioning sectors.

He originally joined the NHS in 2002 at the ambulance service.

Dr Patterson said: “We are hugely excited to have Mike joining us, he will bring a wide range of talent and experience to the role.

WWe’re also sad to be saying goodbye to Noreen and would like to thank her for her contribution to health and care commissioning during a time of great change."

Mr Barker said: “This is an exciting time to be joining one of the most forward thinking and dynamic integrated health and care systems in the country.

"I am joining an excellent, high performing and ambitious team focused on driving much needed improvements in population health.

"Oldham has  a number of significant challenges and I am committed to work with local people to tackle them.”

Noreen Dowd, who will become the Accountable Officer for Stockport CCG, said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support and commitment during my time at Oldham and I will continue to take great interest in the exciting developments in health and social care in the borough."

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