LOCSU’s Whittington promoted to chief executive

“There is much to do,” says new CE

Richard Whittington has been promoted to chief executive of the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU).

Mike Fegan, chairman of LOCSU, said: “I am pleased to announce that Richard Whittington, who was chief operating officer of LOCSU, has been promoted to chief executive.

“Richard joined LOCSU in 2016 and has been its senior executive for the past two years. This promotion recognises the strong leadership which Richard has provided and the hard work and commitment he has shown in delivering LOCSU objectives.

“Richard will now take LOCSU forward with the aim of building on the progress of the last few years, within the context of major reorganisation of the NHS in England. His focus will be to ensure LOCSU provides the support that LOCs, regional networks of LOCs and PECs need to deliver the aims and ambitions of the sector.

“The LOCSU board and I wish Richard every success in his new role,” Mike concluded.

Richard said: “I am very pleased to take on this enhanced role within LOCSU. There is much to do. The NHS is proposing significant structural reform and the new Outpatient Transformation Programme is focusing first on ophthalmology. All LOCs and PECs will have to be supported to help deliver significantly expanded capacity to deliver primary care led services closer to home.

“With a proposed IT connectivity solution upcoming and together with the LOCSU pathways, this is something we be should be able to do.

“The NOC 2019 has given us clear insights as to the support LOCs wish to access alongside guidance as to where the gaps are; LOCSU will play its role in partnership with national bodies to ensure we can deliver.”