The NHS organisation that runs GP surgeries and pays for hospital care in the borough has a new chairman.

Dr Genevieve Small took over the role at NHS Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group from Dr Amol Kelshiker on September 19.

Clinical commissioning groups are responsible for planning and buying services used by people who are registered with GPs.

Dr Genevieve Small said: “I want to ensure that our NHS services are fit for the future and continue to deliver the best possible care for our residents.

“There will always be challenges ahead, but I am confident that through collaborative working with our partners we can achieve the excellence in health care and reduction in health inequalities that we all strive for.

“It has been a privilege to work with Dr Amol Kelshiker, who has been fantastic in his leadership of Harrow CCG and I wish him all the best in the future.”

Dr Small was brought up in Harrow and has been a partner at the Ridgeway Surgery in Chingford since 2001.

She has worked as the named GP for safeguarding children in Harrow since 2005 and was a clinical director at Harrow CCG since its inception.

Dr Muhammad Shahzad has been elected as vice chair of NHS Harrow CCG.

Dr Shahzad is a GP at Zain Medical Centre in Burnt Oak and a resident in Harrow and took up his position on the same day as Dr Small.