As we approach the end of another incredibly busy year, I have been reflecting on some of the outstanding achievements across North Central London and our NHS this year. Now one year on from the start of vaccinations, it is remarkable to think about just how enormous this achievement is. We have now given more than 2.6 million doses in NCL, including first and second doses and more recently, boosters. This programme didn’t exist 14 months ago and continues to be a strong focus for us, especially with the Omicron variant. . .

In this issue: North Central London Councils win LGC health and social care award; Gynaecology high-volume low-complexity hub helping to reduce waiting lists for patients; Additional diagnostic capacity to be established at Wood Green Shopping Centre; Changes to NCL patient transport services; Frances O’Callaghan appointed Designate Chief Executive for the North Central London Integrated Care Board and more.

Frances O’Callaghan has been successfully appointed as the Designate Chief Executive for the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) for North Central London, following an open and robust recruitment process. The North Central London ICB will come into existence in 2022 when the Health and Care Bill is passed, as a new NHS body.