‘Big reforms needed to make NHS fit for the future,’ says former health secretary

Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn has been appointed as the lead non-executive member of the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) board to
support the government’s ambitious NHS reform agenda.

He will succeed Samantha Jones, who has served as a non-executive director since February 2023.

Milburn, known for his successful track record in reducing NHS waiting lists and improving patient satisfaction, will offer advice to help rebuild an NHS fit for
the future.

Expressing his enthusiasm to be appointed to this role, Milburn said, “Having spent three decades working in health policy, I have never seen the NHS in a worse
state. Big reforms will be needed to make it fit for the future.

“I am confident this government has the right plans in place to transform the health service and the health of the nation.

“I’m looking forward to working with them to achieve that mission.”