Local health board director set to retire after 42 years’ service

A long-serving director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has announced her retirement.

Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at the organisation, which plans the delivery of health and care services in the region, will leave her post at the end of April 2025 after 42 years’ NHS service.

Ms Poulain worked as a midwife and a practice nurse after beginning her training at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, in 1983.  She subsequently moved into management roles, and has been chief primary care officer in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes since 2021, having previously held a similar post at Luton Clinical Commissioning Group from 2014.  She also currently serves as the board’s place director for Luton.

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Throughout her career in the NHS, Nicky has been a constant champion for local communities, and all of us have benefited from her warmth, wisdom and expertise.  I know I speak on behalf of everyone at the Integrated Care Board – and our partners – when I say that Nicky will be a great loss to the organisation and the local area.

“After 42 years’ service in such a wide variety of clinical and managerial positions, I think Nicky has probably just about earned her retirement!  I look forward to the opportunity to reflect on her enormous contribution and to giving her a well-deserved send-off.”

Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“When I joined the NHS over four decades ago, I couldn’t have imagined what a varied career I’d have.  My passion for primary care started during my nurse training days and it’s somewhere the NHS makes a such a positive impact.  There’s barely a day that I’ve not learnt something new in every role I’ve had!

“I have worked with amazing people and been part of great teams and most of all, it’s been a privilege to work with patients and residents.  I look forward to continuing to do so, right the way through to next April.”

The Integrated Care Board will announce plans for recruiting Ms Poulain’s successor in due course.  It will also soon appoint a new chief medical officer, following the retirement of Dr Sarah Whiteman earlier this year.  Dr Ian Reckless was seconded from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to serve as the interim chief medical officer pending a substantive appointment.