LIPHOOK GP Dr Barbara Rushton, the clinical head of South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, was applauded by the NHS after receiving a top appointment as the new co-chairman of NHS Clinical Commissioners.

She has taken on this new role from this month, also continuing her current duties as a GP in her Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) role.

Dr Rushton, who was elected to the board as the representative for south-east England 14 months ago, will join Dr Graham Jackson from Buckinghamshire, as co-chairman.

Maggie MacIsaac, chief executive of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Groups Partnership, welcomed the news.

The partnership comprises Fareham and Gosport, north Hampshire, north-eastern Hampshire and Farnham, south-eastern Hampshire and the Isle of Wight CCGs.

Mrs MacIsaac said: “Barbara’s appointment is a huge feather in the cap for the partnership.

“We are delighted for Barbara, personally and professionally, and proud of her achievement.

“She will provide a strong input into the NHS Clinical Commissioners, ensuring a strong clinical voice.”

Dr Rushton told The Herald: “I feel honoured to be elected as co-chair and am very excited to be given this opportunity.

“I passionately believe clinicians need to play a key role in shaping the future NHS, and NHS Clinical Commissioners brings them together to have a strong voice.”

NHS Clinical Commissioners are the independent membership organisation representing 90 per cent of the CCGs in England.

It aims to help Clinical Commissioning Groups to get the best healthcare and health outcomes for their patients, giving them a strong collective influencing voice with the wider NHS, national bodies, Government and the media.