THE man who led controversial cuts to health services in north and west Cumbria has landed a top new job.
Sir Neil McKay headed the Government’s so-called Success Regime, which was brought in to overhaul the local NHS.
He spearheaded the hugely-unpopular Healthcare for the Future masterplan, which included slashing community hospital beds and downgrade services.
Now Sir Neil, who has worked in the NHS for more than 40 years, has been announced as the new chairman of the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP).
His brief will be similar to his Cumbrian role, to transform health and social care and join up services.
During his time in Cumbria, he clashed with campaigners fighting to save maternity services in Whitehaven and stop the closure of beds in Wigton, Alston and Maryport. His vision also included cutting up to 100 beds at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary.
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