A Lancaster University Management School Professor is set to take on an important role at the heart of new NHS structures in the region.

Professor Jane O’Brien is one of five new non-executive designate members of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB). The ICB is set to be established in July, subject to the passage through Parliament of the Health and Care Bill, which will create a new NHS organisation and a statutory local Health and Care Partnership.

Their purpose will be to improve health and care outcomes, tackle inequalities in outcomes and access, enhance productivity and value for money, and support broader social economic development.

Professor O’Brien retired from LUMS at the end of February. In her most recent roles, she has served as Associate Dean for Engagement and Director of the LUMS Centre for Health Futures, working alongside regional health and care bodies on research and engagement activities.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, and continuing to support and contribute to the community in an area with which I have such a great connection,” said Professor O’Brien.

“Throughout my academic career, I have had wonderful experiences of working with the NHS on professional and organisational development, and most recently in the Centre for Health Futures. I recognise the opportunities and complex challenges that they face in the region and hope I can continue such fruitful collaboration to make a real impact through the new structures.”

David Flory CBE, the ICB Chair Designate, said of the appointments: “We had tremendous interest in the non-executive roles and a very strong field of applicants from diverse backgrounds with valuable experience to consider.

“I am looking forward to them all joining us over the coming months as the new organisation is established. Each of our new designate non-executives brings important individual skills and experience to the table. Collectively, their backgrounds cover a range of organisations and sectors.”

He added: “The challenges we face across health and care in the years ahead are hugely complex. Recovery from the pandemic is one part of the puzzle, but there are many other longstanding issues that we need to take on in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

“We have good examples of success and excellence in Lancashire and South Cumbria, but also much more to achieve and I am excited to work with our non-executive members to make a real difference to health and care in our area.”