A FORMER nurse with strong Wigan links has been named as the lead officer of one of the borough’s main health organisations.

Professor Craig Harris will take over as managing director and accountable officer for the district’s clinical commissioning group (CCG) next month.

The senior role had been merged last year under the stewardship of former town hall chief executive Donna Hall.

The move came as the CCG and council forged a closer working relationship, along with a shared budget.

Ms Hall stepped down earlier this year, with Alison McKenzie-Folan taking the top job at the local authority.

Prof Harris – who is also a magistrate on the GM circuit – joins from Manchester Health and Care Commissioning where he has held several senior roles. 

He said: “I was brought up in Wigan, went to school and college in Wigan and trained as a nurse in Wigan.

“My early nursing career was across Billinge, Wigan and Leigh supporting residents to improve their health and wellbeing.

“Now, I have my dream job and will be a big part of the transformation of local health and care services for the benefit of all local residents.

“I am extremely excited as this is more than just a job: it is finally coming home.

“I look forward to meeting residents and patients, professional and community groups to hear about their experiences of healthcare and I will work them all to ensure that we make the right decisions for the borough.”

Caroline Kurzeja, the CCG’s deputy chief officer, had been acting as the interim accountable officer since Ms Hall’s departure in February.

Closer links between the CCG and the town hall will see the two organisations share a pooled budget with a leadership committee overseeing spending on mental health, community and hospital services.

Dr Tim Dalton, chair of Wigan’s CCG, said: “I am delighted to welcome Craig to our team.

“He has a wealth of experience and will take local NHS services to the next level, moving us forward towards even better, more joined-up and co-ordinated health and social care for patients and residents.”