New chair for NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network

We are pleased to announce that Dr Duncan Gooch has been appointed as the new chair of the NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network.

Dr Gooch is a GP and clinical director of Erewash Health Partnership, a consortium of practices that provides healthcare services to more than 100,000 people in Derbyshire.

His organisation has been a member of the Network since 2021, and Duncan has sat on the Primary Care Network’s advisory group since June 2024. He takes over the role this month following Professor Aruna Garcea’s appointment to a role in University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust. Aruna remains a GP and medical advisor for Leicester, Leicestershire City and Rutland Patient Care Locally GP Federation and a member of the Network.

The NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network supports primary care at-scale organisations across general practice, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry and audiology. The Network’s role is to influence Government and national stakeholders on the role of primary care within the wider system and to support members to come together to maximise the impact they have on patient care. It is part of the NHS Confederation, the only membership body that brings together primary care with the rest of the healthcare system.

Ruth Rankine, director of the Primary Care Network at the NHS Confederation, said:

“On behalf of the network I’m delighted that Duncan has been appointed as the new chair, following a rigorous assessment process. 

“During his time as a member, Duncan has brought a perspective to our work that is not only strategic but grounded in reality which will prove invaluable given the network’s priorities to influence and support implementation of the Government’s ambitions. 

“I would also like to thank Professor Aruna Garcea for her leadership over the last two years, during which we have continued to grow in membership and diversity.”

Dr Gooch commented:

“We all know the value of primary care to our communities and to our health. I am honoured and excited to take forward and represent the wonderful leadership of our members at such an important time in the health and care system. There will be many important discussions with national and system leaders over the next few months so I am pleased to be able to represent our members in these discussions.”

Dr Gooch trained at Nottingham University, where he developed a strong foundation in medical sciences. In addition to his practice, Dr Gooch is a GP trainer, dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of General Practitioners. He has also contributed to national healthcare strategies such as the New Care Models Vanguard in Erewash which improved local healthcare delivery but also influenced national policy direction.