NHS England asked the ICB board to confirm its approval of this appointment so arrangements can be put in place from 1 June 2025, and the board have supported the appointment.

Mirza joined the board of the ICB in November 2024 as non-executive member for citizens and future generations. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in health and education, championing equity, inclusion, and social justice.

She said: ‘So much great work has and continues to take place across West Yorkshire and I am delighted to be able to continue Cathy's great work as chair. The next six months will be a very challenging time for the ICB, the wider West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, and indeed the wider NHS.

‘I am determined to work with the board, wider partners and our local communities to respond to the 10 Year Health Plan, using the rich and diverse insight we received.'

Mirza, who will take up her new role from 1 June 2025, will continue with her existing responsibilities as non-executive member for citizens and future generations, working closely with the non-executive team to support the ICB.

Rob Webster, chief executive at NHS West Yorkshire ICB, said: ‘I am very grateful that Nadira has stepped forward to fill this role at this time. The acting arrangement has been put in place as the substantive appointment process for the new ICB chair was paused by NHS England, it is their appointment and will be picked up again when the impact of the changes to NHS Structures is clearer.'

Current chair Cathy Elliott will move on from the West Yorkshire system on 31 May this year to take on her new chief executive role with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.