The government’s QIPP champion has confirmed a move to the private sector.
Health and social care provider Care UK announced the appointment of Jim Easton as managing director of the company’s healthcare division yesterday (19 November).
He is expected to take up his post in January 2013.
Easton said he was “delighted” and “excited” to join the Care UK team, which has the capability to “make a difference” in leading and shaping healthcare services.
Dr James Kingland blasted the “silence” and “lack of transparency” over Easton’s move to the private organisation.
“The government says it wants a culture of openness and transparency, yet Easton has failed to practice what has been preached,” he said.
As well as holding the role of national director of improvement and efficiency at the Department of Health, Easton is also a member of the NHS National Commissioning Board. He has been the driving force behind the government’s Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) project aimed at improving both quality and efficiency.
Mike Parish, chief executive of Care UK, said, “As one of the most respected leaders of the NHS and an international authority on quality and innovation, Jim will bring to Care UK enormous experience and expertise. I am absolutely delighted that he has agreed to join us at a key stage in the development of our healthcare organisation.
“Jim’s experience, and in particular his focus on QIPP, will ensure that as a provider we are always strongly focused on providing such smart and integrated services.”
Easton said he was “delighted” and “excited” to join the Care UK team, which has the capability to “make a difference” in leading and shaping healthcare services.
It is claimed the appointment has been made in line with the “normal arrangements”, which is said to include Cabinet Office approval for senior Department of Health staff moving to roles in the independent sector.
