Under-fire Great Yarmouth and Waveney health boss announces retirement

The chief executive of a clinical commissioning group (CCG) has announced his retirement.

Great Yarmouth and Waveney CCG boss Andy Evans will leave in March 2017, having worked his required six-month notice period.

Mr Evans, a pharmacist by profession, took up his current post in the CCG in 2012.

Since then, the CCG said: 'He has led the CCG's continued drive to deliver better care closer to people's homes while also focusing on bringing health and social care closer together so that patients can receive joined-up services.'

Mr Evans, 63, said: 'I have thoroughly enjoyed my 41 years in the NHS. During that time, I have been privileged to work alongside some exceptionally dedicated staff who share the vision of delivering the best quality services for patients.

'Over the coming five years, the NHS and social care face another period of sustained transformational change which will be challenging for everyone. I feel that now is the right time for me to retire and hand the responsibility for leading that change for the health service in Great Yarmouth and Waveney to someone else.'

During his time at the CCG's helm Mr Evans faced criticism over the closure of hospitals, doctors' surgeries and a walk-in centre.

In November last year it was agreed the GP community units at various hospitals would close, including Northgate Hospital in Great Yarmouth, All Hallows Hospital in Bungay, Patrick Stead Hospital in Halesworth and Southwold Hospital.

It was also agreed that three surgeries - Family Health, Gorleston Medical Centre and the Falkland Surgery, all in Gorleston - would be brought together under one roof at the Shrublands, also in Gorleston.

The decisions followed two extensive public consultations, known as shape of the system, which took place earlier in the summer and asked for views on making substantial changes to the way services are commissioned.

Most recently the CCG came under fire for the closure of the Greyfriars GP surgery and walk-in centre in Yarmouth.

The contract for the clinic comes to an end on September 28, and affects more than 5,000 patients.

The majority are transferring to the neighbouring Lighthouse Surgery in Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth.

And alternative provisions are also being put in place for when the walk-in centre closes.

When he retires, Mr Evans plans to spend more time with his family, and to do many things he has not had the time to do before.

Dr John Stammers, Chair of the CCG said: 'Andy has been an energetic and visionary leader for Great Yarmouth and Waveney, and we will miss his leadership, enthusiasm and drive for change.

'On behalf of everyone at the CCG, I would like to thank him for the hard work and dedication he has given to his role over the past four years. We look forward to continuing to work with him during the coming months as we commission the best possible services on behalf of the patients we serve.'

The CCG's governing body will decide on arrangements to replace Mr Evans in the coming weeks.