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.

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 Dr Gooch has sat on the Primary Care Network's advisory group since June 2024.

He takes over the role in April after Professor Aruna Garcea's appointment to a role in University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust. Prof Garcea remains a GP and medical advisor for Leicester, Leicestershire City and Rutland Patient Care Locally GP Federation and a member of the Network.

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