To strengthen the relationship between primary and secondary care, we have appointed three new Associate Medical Directors (AMD) who are very familiar with our communities.

Dr Jagan John, Dr Anil Mehta and Dr Atul Aggarwal, who are experienced GPs in our boroughs, will each join us for one day a week and will work closely with clinicians to improve the experience of our patients both inside the hospital and when discharged back into the community.

Atul, who will focus on planned care, said: “It’s amazing to be here and in my role as AMD I want to improve the relationships between GPs and hospital clinicians, as well as the innovation and research across both sectors.

“I’m also keen to help the Trust improve access to services that are available in the community, which will ensure residents do not always need to visit busy hospitals for treatment.”

Speaking about his new role which will look at Urgent and Emergency Care, Jagan said: “I’m very excited to be here and I’m hoping to improve patient care and support colleagues across our health system.”

Anil, who will have a particular focus on being a link for GPs to improve patient pathways, said: “It’s a courageous and innovative decision by the Trust and we will work hard to deliver more integrated services which will allow system improvements, rather than working in silos.”

Welcoming Jagan, Atul and Anil, our Chief Medical Officer Dr Mamta Shetty Vaidya, said: “Patients and staff will benefit from these appointments. It’s fantastic that we can work with such experienced GP colleagues to improve patient pathways, which will deliver a better experience for our residents.”