Graham Clarke, Martin Sykes, Lopa Patel, Salma Ali, Tarn Lamb and Dr Neil Walden have been selected to help shape the future of local NHS services across Cornwall, Devon and Isles of Scilly.

Martin Sykes has been a non-executive member and senior independent director on NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly's board since it launched on 1 July 2022, and has also chaired NHS Devon's Finance and Performance Committee on an interim basis over the past year.

Sykes has extensive NHS experience, previously as the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust director of finance and deputy chief executive. He also held the vice-chair and non-executive director roles at NHS University Hospital Bristol and Weston Foundation Trust.

Clarke has been an independent non-executive member on NHS Devon's Board since it was established in July 2022. He has held several high-profile executive and non-executive positions including in his current role as a non-executive member for the DHSC and on its Audit and Risk Committee.

He previously chaired the Audit and Risk Committees of NHS Health Research Authority and mental health charity MIND. Clarke also has extensive experience of the pharmaceutical industry having held roles at GlaxoSmithKline and GE Healthcare.

Ali joined NHS Devon's board as an independent non-executive member in January 2025. She previously served as a director of nursing for Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trust, as well as executive director of nursing and quality for four Black Country PCTs in Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

She began her career as a registered general nurse, followed by tenures in midwifery, health visiting and primary care. Ali is currently a non-executive director at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Patel is a digital founder, chair and non-executive director with strengths in governance and risk oversight, particularly within the public sector. Patel, a champion of entrepreneurship, innovation, AI and technology, has founded two ventures in online media and a data-driven marketing consultancy. She joined NHS Devon's board as an independent non-executive member in January 2025.

Lamb, who has been a member of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Board since 1 July 2022, is an England committee member of the National Lottery Community Fund, and also the chief executive of Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change.

Dr Walden has enjoyed a long career as a GP in Cornwall, working as a partner in Marazion Surgery until his retirement from practice in 2019. He has been a member of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Board since 1 July 2022.

He has previously been a clinical leader of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly's west integrated care area, and a member of the west Cornwall ICB. He was a Locality Lead GP and clinical director of Penwith's primary care network and is a member of the Penwith Integrated Care Forum.

John Govett, chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, NHS Devon and the South West Peninsula Board, said: ‘Graham, Martin, Lopa, Salma, Tarn and Neil already bring valuable experience from working within at least one of our organisations, giving them a strong understanding of both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.

‘Their diverse skills and perspectives will be instrumental to the success of our new South West Peninsula Board as we begin to align our two organisations in line with the national ask of reducing ICB running costs.'