Ian Dalton leaves NHS to lead health services at BT

The NHS Commissioning Board's chief operating officer and deputy chief executive Ian Dalton has left to join telecommunications firm BT as president of global health.

It is the second high profile departure from the NHS Commissioning Board to the private health sector in recent months following former director of transformation Jim Easton's appointment as managing director Care UK, and the move does little to inspire confidence in the organisation ahead of taking on its full responsibilities in April, 2013.

Dalton's departure also brings to a close an NHS career that has included time spent as chief executive of NHS North of England, chief executive of NHS North East  and chief executive at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

He has also served within the Department of Health as national director of NHS flu resilience and managing director of provider development.

Commenting on his departure, Dalton said it was a “huge privilege” to work in the NHS, and offered encouraging words to the NHS' new way of commissioning.

“I have been impressed by the NHS Commissioning Board's passionate focus on the interests of patients and I am confident it will deliver real improvements for the future,” he said.

“For the next period, my focus will be on delivering what I am sure will be a successful transition for the operations directorate of the NHS Commissioning Board”.

Sir David Nicholson, chief executive of the Board said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian for his significant contribution and dedication to the NHS over many years.

“Ian will be missed and I wish Ian all the best in his new role at BT.”

BT has increased its efforts in healthcare in recent years, as healthcare systems look to utilise new technology to provide services in an increasingly efficient way.

Luis Alvarez, chief executive officer of BT Global Services, said: "I am delighted that someone of Ian's calibre will be joining us to head up our health business to build on the excellent progress we've already made.

"Ian is a well-respected healthcare leader and will bring a wealth of experience and understanding of the NHS and the evolving healthcare market in the UK.”