Siobhan Melia, chief executive role at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, has been selected as a national adviser for community health services.

She will support the work to develop neighbourhood health service plans and drive improvements in community health services for patients and carers.

Melia will provide expert input and advice on the delivery of priority areas including the delivery of timely access to community services, the integration of primary care and community services, and shifting more care out of hospital into communities.

She said: "This is an exciting time to help shape the future of service delivery, especially when there is an important national focus on shifting care out of hospital and into the community. Community services play a vital role in supporting people at all stages of life and I look forward to working with the national team to drive meaningful improvements that make a difference to our patients."  

Melia will be working alongside Richard Kirby, chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who has been appointed as national adviser for neighbourhood health.

Kirby has been chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare since March 2018 and has more than 26 years' NHS management and leadership experience.

 

In his current role, he also leads the Birmingham and Solihull Community Care Collaborative, developing integrated care in neighbourhoods and localities.

Kirby said: "Since starting my career working with a group of GPs in south Birmingham, locally integrated health and care has been important to me and continues to drive my commitment in my current role at Birmingham Community Healthcare. I look forward to working as part of the team at NHS England to help develop this further."

Melia and Kirby will both continue their chief executive roles, working four days a month at NHS England until March 2026.

Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services, added: "Both Richard and Siobhan bring a wealth of expertise from their work in community trusts. I'm delighted that they will be provide their valuable insights and experience to help us drive improvements in community health services and neighbourhood health and deliver the best possible care for patients and carers across England."