The UK’s Department of Health (DH) has appointed Dr David Bennett as chair of Monitor, the independent regulator of foundation trusts.
Dr Bennett currently holds the position of interim chief executive with the body, and will take over the role of chair from Steve Bundred.
The role of Monitor is proposed to change under the Health and Social Care Bill, with plans for the body to become economic regulator for all providers of health and adult social care services by 2013.
In this new role, Monitor would regulate pricing for NHS services; promote competition in healthcare services where appropriate; and to support GP consortia in ensuring essential services are maintained.
Dr Bennett, whose previous roles include non-political chief policy advisor to former Prime Minister Tony Blair and director at McKinsey & Co, described the successful implementation of the reforms as ‘critical’ with Monitor to play a key role in ensuring quality care.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley commented on the appointment: “The new economic regulator will have a significantly different set of responsibilities from Monitor in its current form and, with his wealth of experience, I am confident that David will successfully lead the organisation through the changes ahead.”