THE woman who has led the reshaping of health services across south Essex, including bringing the region's three main hospitals under one trust, is leaving her role to take on a wider NHS function.

Ms Panniker has been appointed the new regional director of the NHS for  the East of England.

She was appointed to the role of Chief Executive of Basildon and Thurrock Hospital in 2013 and then her role expanded to take on the management of the Mid Essex Hospitals in Chelmsford and Southend Hospital.

She became chief executive of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust when it formed in April 2020.

One of the most controversial projects she has driven through during reform of the region's health services, is the planned closure of Orsett Hospital – which is to be replaced by four integrated medical centres across the borough – though only one is anywhere near completion.

As recently as March this year, Thurrock Nub News reported on the delays and problems facing the integrated centre project.

And integration appears to be a centre plank of Ms Pannicker's thoughts as she takes on the wider regional role.

She says: "I have absolutely loved my time at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust – and at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust before that – and it will always be very close to my heart.

"I have accepted the role of regional director, which offers a unique opportunity to help develop our Integrated Care Systems and to focus on how we can improve healthcare provision for this region. I am looking forward to developing stronger relationships between local government, acute and primary care and the charity sector so we can offer our population joined up care that meets their needs.

"As part of NHS England's national executive team I will also be able to influence future policy and strategy, using the invaluable knowledge I have gained during my time at mid and south Essex.

"My successor can look forward to working with a truly wonderful team at the Trust who are committed to continuing to improve services across our hospitals and beyond."