Paul Rowen and Denise Dawson new Lay Members appointed at HMR CCG

Paul Rowen appointed as Lay Members at HMR CCG

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NHS Heywood Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group has appointed two new Governing Body Lay Members, Paul Rowen as Lay Member for Integrated Risk and Denise Dawson as Lay Member for Public and Patient Engagement.

Mr Rowen was previously an MP for Rochdale from 2005 until 2010, as well as a council leader from 1992-96 and 2004-05 and councillor in Rochdale for 24 years (1983-2007).

In his role as Lay Member Mr Rowen will be leading on integrated risk management and supporting the delegated arrangements for primary care.

Since 2010 he has been working as a consultant/trainer in education and transport as well as local government areas serving as a Trustee for Arthritis Research UK and a Board Member of Transport Focus.

Mr Rowen is also a Governor of St Cuthbert's RC High School and Vice Chairman of the Light Rapid Transit Association.

Mr Rowen said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at HMR CCG and I’m really excited to be getting to grips with the role and assisting with improving healthcare services for the patients and residents of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.”

Denise Dawson has also been appointed as a Lay Member for Public and Patient Engagement. She has worked for the NHS for over 42 years, the later twelve years leading on patient and public engagement and advocacy.

Ms Dawson has a wealth of expertise and experience across both acute and primary care services.

In her role as Lay Member she will be a member of the Quality and Safety Committee and is the Chairwoman of the Public Engagement Committee.

Ms Dawsonwill be leading on patient and public involvement and experience, ensuring that patients and the public actively participate in the development and commissioning of services, assuring the CCG is acting in the best interest of the local population.

Ms Dawson said: “I am thrilled to be continuing to work with the CCG and I’m focussed on building on the excellent engagement work already in place and working with patients and residents of HMR, listening to their ideas and feedback.”

Dr Chris Duffy, Chairman of HMR CCG, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming both Paul and Denise to the CCG. I am looking forward to working with them both and the excellent local knowledge and experience that they will bring.

"Over the years Paul and Denise have worked in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale which will prove invaluable and will assist with plans to continuously improve how we engage the public and patients in what we do.”

As members of the Governing Body, Mr Rowen and Ms Dawson will attend formal meetings which are held every month in public covering areas such as integrated commissioning, quality, safety and finance. Paul and Denise will be influencing and supporting decisions made by the CCG and will be helping to lead the NHS locally.