Why it matters: The appointment marks a significant step towards creating a single organisation responsible for planning and commissioning health services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The details: Ed Garratt brings 10 years of experience as an NHS chief executive to the role. He will lead the new organisation when it goes live in April 2026, replacing the two existing integrated care boards.
What he's saying: "I am honoured to lead our new organisation and look forward to supporting the excellent work of our hard-working staff to improve health outcomes across Norfolk and Suffolk," said Ed Garratt.
He added: "Our ambition is to create an outstanding organisation that drives, with our partners, meaningful improvements for the communities we serve."
The bigger picture: The merger brings together health services across two counties under a single leadership structure. Professor Will Pope, Chairman designate of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said Ed has "an impressive track record of delivery" and has built "an excellent reputation" during his decade as an NHS chief executive.
Clare Panniker, NHS England's east of England Regional Director, said: "He brings a wealth of experience of health service leadership to the benefit of patients across the ICB area and wider region. This appointment will play a pivotal role in helping us deliver the bold and ambitious 10 Year Health Plan here in the east of England."
The bottom line: With a decade of NHS leadership experience behind him, Ed Garratt will take charge of the new integrated care board as it seeks to improve health outcomes across Norfolk and Suffolk.
