Following approval from NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens, James Rimmer has been appointed as NHS Somerset’s Clinical Commissioning Group’s Accountable Officer and Chief Executive.
Working for the CCG in an ‘Acting’ Accountable Officer role since 01 September 2019 James has now been confirmed through formal appointment for the Accountable Officer position following an open, competitive recruitment process.
Announcing James’ appointment, Lou Evans, Vice Chair, said “It is almost 12 months since James joined us and we are now in a much stronger position as a commissioner and as a system. His wealth of experience and expertise from provider organisations has enabled us to further improve the way we work as a system to support the people of Somerset.”
He added “We welcome James’ formal appointment. With support of our dedicated staff he has ably led us through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic while also continuing and accelerating our work to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Somerset.”
James was previously Chief Executive at Weston Area Health NHS Foundation Trust. He has also held a number of senior management roles in other organisations including University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Commenting on his appointment, James said: “I am very proud to become a permanent member of the Somerset NHS family. We are very lucky in Somerset to have passionate, dedicated and inspirational staff, patients, carers, providers and partners who are all working together to make a difference and I am privileged to work alongside them. Together we will continue to confront the unique challenges of a pandemic while making sure we have the right services in the right place for people at the right time.”
Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director for the South West, NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: “I’m delighted that James has accepted the post of Accountable Officer for Somerset CCG. He has the values and skills we seek in our healthcare leaders and has led the CCG through the challenges of the last few months with integrity and purpose. I would like to congratulate James and wish him and the CCG every success.”