Dr Rima Makarem to stand down as Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board

The Chair of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board, Dr Rima Makarem, will stand down as Chair at the end of the year.

Dr Makarem has been appointed Chair of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Makarem joined BLMK in June 2020 following an executive career in the global pharmaceutical sector. Rima is also Chair of Sue Ryder. Her previous roles include Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Audit Chair and External Commissioner at the House of Commons Commission.

As Chair, Rima has championed the development of the BLMK system as a leading research ICS and overseen the Integrated Care Board’s coordinated response to the Denny Review, one of England’s leading examples of community-led engagement to tackle health inequalities.

Commenting on her departure, Dr Makarem said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my last four and a half years in BLMK, and I have a true fondness for the local population and the rich and diverse communities that it represents.

“I am grateful to all our partners for their support and challenge throughout my time as Chair.  I believe that the BLMK system has completely transformed itself into a dynamic and enterprising partnership with strong foundations to achieve its mission of helping people live longer, healthier lives.

“I will be proud to hand the reins over to my eventual successor to take the ICB to the next level.”

Clare Panniker, Regional Director for NHSE East of England said:

“Rima’s vision for integration, commitment to innovation and unwavering support for the BLMK system has been invaluable over the last four years.

“Under her leadership, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB has worked hard to break down barriers for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. I would like to thank Rima for her service to residents and partnership working and wish her every success in her new role.”

Felicity Cox, Chief Executive of BLMK Integrated Care Board, said:

“I would like to thank Rima for her years of dedicated service in BLMK, and, on behalf of our whole Partnership, to wish her well with her appointment as Chair of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

“Rima leaves a strong legacy in BLMK, including a diverse Board committed to delivering truly integrated services which will help more of our residents to live well for longer and tackle the major health inequalities we face.”

Dr Makarem will stand down on 31 December 2024 and arrangements for the recruitment of a new Chair will be announced soon. Manjeet Gill, Deputy Chair of the ICB, will act as Chair until a successor has been appointed.