Physio takes on new role as integrated care chief for Sussex

The ICB will be responsible for overseeing the commissioning, performance, financial management and transformation of local NHS services.

Mr Doyle told Frontline: ‘My experience as a physio has helped me throughout my career, as it gave me an understanding of working at the frontline of services and caring for patients.

My motivation every day at work is to do the best I can for the population I serve and my experience as a physio has kept me grounded and helps me stay focused on that aim

‘I am delighted, and it is a real honour, to be given the opportunity to lead the Sussex system as we go into the next stage of our development. We have made so much progress as a system and this has been down to the hard work of our staff and the collective commitment across all our partners to collaboration and improvement for the benefit of our populations.’

Mr Doyle added that he would be focusing on progressing and transforming the Sussex system, in order to ensure that local communities continued to receive the care they require in the short, medium and long-term future.

‘We face many challenges, as well as opportunities for further improvement and development, and my leadership priority will be to ensure we are addressing and realising these with long-term solutions and actions that will achieve better outcomes for our populations.’

Believe in your abilities

Mr Doyle, who has been the lead for Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) since 2016, offered encouragement to other physiotherapy staff who may be considering changing their careers and moving into management positions.

‘I really enjoyed my time as a physio and taking the step into going into NHS management was a big decision,’ he said.

‘It was something I increasingly wanted to do and I am a firm believer that, if you want to do something, then you have to go for it and believe in yourself.’