Rochdale born Mike Farrar new Chief Executive North West SHA

Date published: 08/05/2006

The Appointments Commission has appointed Rochdale born Mike Farrar as the Chief Executive of the new North West Strategic Health Authority that is to oversee health services in the region.

Mr Farrar was previously chief executive of West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority and chief architect of the new GP contract.

“Having grown up in Rochdale, it feels as if I’m coming home,” he said. “The North West health system is one of the most complex in the country and the SHA will be the largest outside London, serving a population of eight million people.

“That is a daunting challenge, but one I am looking forward to. With investment in the NHS at a record high, we are in a position to deliver an NHS that offers genuine choice and one where no-one has to wait for treatment any longer than they should.”

Mr Farrar will take up his new post when the new North West Strategic Health Authority becomes effective on 1 July.