'Big reforms needed to make NHS fit for the future,' says former health secretary

Alan Milburn, known for reducing NHS waiting lists and improving patient satisfaction, will offer advice on turning the health service around once again

Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn has been appointed as the lead non-executive member of the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) board to support the government's ambitious NHS reform agenda.

He will succeed Samantha Jones, who has served as a non-executive director since February 2023.

Milburn, known for his successful track record in reducing NHS waiting lists and improving patient satisfaction, will offer advice to help rebuild an NHS fit for the future.

Expressing his enthusiasm to be appointed to this role, Milburn said, “Having spent three decades working in health policy, I have never seen the NHS in a worse state. Big reforms will be needed to make it fit for the future.

“I am confident this government has the right plans in place to transform the health service and the health of the nation.

“I’m looking forward to working with them to achieve that mission.”

Milburn’s appointment was made directly by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, in compliance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Streeting welcomed Milburn's appointment, stating: “As Secretary of State, Alan made the reforms which helped deliver the shortest waiting times and highest patient satisfaction in the history of the NHS.

“This government has inherited a broken health service with some of the longest waiting times and lowest patient satisfaction in history. I am delighted to welcome Alan to the department board, where he will offer advice on turning the NHS around once again.

“His unique expertise and experience will be invaluable and he has an outstanding track record of delivering better care for patients,” he added.

Milburn was the Labour MP for Darlington from 1992 to 2010. He served as a health minister from 1997 to 1998 and the Secretary of State for Health between 1999 and 2003.