UHUK appoints new Chair

Nigel Gazzard has been appointed as the new Chair of Urgent Health UK (UHUK), bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience along with a passion for urgent care and social enterprise.

Nigel, the recent Managing Director of BrisDoc Healthcare Services Ltd, and a former non-executive director of UHUK, has an extensive and well-established career in health care, supported by leadership experience in both the social enterprise sector and the private/public sectors. His career achievements include establishing a GP-led healthcare business operating within the NHS to serve over one million people; leading its conversion to an employee-owned social enterprise; delivering an award-winning NHS mental healthcare service; launching a social impact fund to address health inequalities; and co-authoring a book on leadership.

Comment on his appointment, Nigel Gazzard said: “I am delighted and excited to have been appointed as Chair of UHUK. My passion for social enterprise and urgent care is well known and I look forward to working with UHUK and its members, supporting their work, and encouraging and inspiring them to achieve successful outcomes.”

UHUK is a partnership of urgent healthcare social enterprise providers who cover two thirds of the UK population. UHUK champions its members’ interests with one voice in the media, and with stakeholders in the government, NHS, and healthcare community. It supports innovation and enterprise among its members enabling them to collectively push boundaries, address challenges and grow.

Nigel continues: “UHUK has a clear vision to give its members a louder voice. With my background and ability to connect and develop relationships, I relish the opportunity of championing the role of NHS social enterprises providing urgent and integrated healthcare and becoming an advocate for them on a national stage.”

UHUK Chief Executive Conor Burke said: “Nigel’s energy, enthusiasm and passion for urgent care and social enterprise shone through at interview and we are delighted to welcome him as the new Chair of UHUK. He is a champion of innovation and transformation and has a track record of developing relationships with, and influencing, stakeholders at all levels. As a former member CEO and NED of UHUK, he is known to our members as someone who provides support and inspires collaboration. Nigel will embrace our goals and serve as a great ambassador for UHUK nationally.”

Nigel’s appointment will begin in November, taking over from current Chair and Medical Director Dr Simon Abrams, GP Lead at Great Homer Street Surgery, Liverpool.