PEAK DISTRICT: GP appointed to Commissioning Group

Dr Austin will help the CCG make decisions on planning and buying health services for patients in the High Peak and North Derbyshire. CCGs, led by local GPs and clinicians, will replace the county’s primary care trust as the main planners and commissioners of health services for their local populations from April 2013.

One of the founding members of North Peak Healthcare, Dr Austin has worked in the High Peak area for 14 years. Currently a locum GP in the High Peak locality, Dr Austin was previously a GP partner at Thornbrook Surgery, Chapel-en-le-Frith from 1999 - 2011. She has worked at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, held a number of commissioning roles and has been involved in the clinical redesign of services. Most recently Dr Austin has been part of the group in Buxton planning a new service model for maternity services.

Commenting on her appointment Dr Debbie Austin said: “I am pleased to be able to represent my High Peak area on the CCG Governing Body and am looking forward to the numerous challenges ahead. I am particularly concerned about the ageing population and how we need to re-shape services to better provide for their needs. I believe that we need to be more proactive in our focus, rather than reactive after an event has occurred.”

Jackie Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer at NHS North Derbyshire CCG, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Austin to the Governing Body. Her excellent experience will be an invaluable asset as we take over the responsibility of healthcare for our residents.”