27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
Home » News » Audit Chair appointed to emerging NHS Integrated Care Board
ANDREW Blakeman has been appointed as the Audit Chair for the new NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, when it takes on statutory responsibilities on 1 July 2022.
The first Non-Executive Member to be appointed to Board, Mr Blakeman is currently Chief Financial Officer of the Stryde Group, part of BP and has held a variety of financial leadership roles within the BP Group.
A chartered accountant, he is also a lecturer in Corporate Finance at London Business School and has held several non-executive roles in the NHS including as Deputy Chair of Milton Keynes University Hospital and as Audit Committee Chair of NHS Blood & Transplant.
Speaking about his appointment Mr Blakeman said:
“I am pleased to be given the opportunity to serve on the new NHS Integrated Care Board to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
“I am passionate about tackling health inequalities and am particularly interested in how we can use the lived experiences of residents to shape services locally. I also hope to bring my own lived experience of the system to decision making.
“This is an exciting time, which brings great opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and working with colleagues to make a difference”.
I am passionate about tackling health inequalities and am particularly interested in how we can use the lived experiences of residents to shape services locally.
Confirming the appointment, Dr Rima Makarem, Chair Designate for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said:
“I am delighted to welcome Andrew to the NHS Integrated Care Board and announce the first of our Non-Executive Members. The Chair of the Audit Committee is a crucial role for us, as we need to strike the balance between delivering value for taxpayers’ money, improving the health and wellbeing of citizens and making sure that we deliver good governance and processes.
“Andrew brings a wealth of experience in a blue-chip company and of working within the NHS in Milton Keynes and I look forward to working with him on the Board, as we strive to improve the lives and wellbeing of our population”.
The establishment of the Integrated Care Board has been delayed following the recent Omicron wave of the Covid pandemic but will form as a legal organisation on 1 July 2022.
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
20 June 2025
Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…
Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…
17 June 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…
11 June 2025
Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet
During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…
9 June 2025
Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives
As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…
6 June 2025
Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…