THE chairman of NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group has left his post after four years.

Dr Dan Bunstone resigned from the role in September due to a conflict of interests.

His final day in the job was Thursday, January 31.

The CCG's current vice-chairman and governing body lay member Nick Atkin will undertake the chairman's duties in an interim role, with processes to appointment a replacement for Dr Bunstone ongoing.

Warrington Guardian:

CCG vice-chairman Nick Atkin

Dr Bunstone said: "First and foremost, my adoptive hometown of Warrington has a great sense of community - it is a great place to live with my family and also to work.

"As CCGs are led by GPs, it was important for me as a GP to work with the CCG team to give the development of the new organisation some perspective into the day to day workings in general practice to help drive forward new models of care.

"I wanted to help shape change and improve services for not only patients in my practice but also for patients across all practices in our town, by working with my GP colleagues to influence change.

"So, when the vacancy for clinical chairman arose, I put myself forward as I felt I could a positive difference."

Arriving in Warrington as a GP in 2008, Dr Bunstone was previously based in practices in Lymm and Penketh.

He is now a GP at Chapelford Medical Centre.

Dr Bunstone resigned from the role of chairman at the CCG when Push Doctor, an online medical consultation service at which he is chief medical officer, reached an agreement to work with another company that holds NHS contracts.

His resignation came less than a week after representatives from 16 of 24 GP practices in Warrington signed a letter giving a vote of no confidence in the CCG's leadership.

He added: "I'm going to continue to grow my practice in Chapelford and I'm looking forward to the opening of the new building in September 2019.

"I'll also be developing my role at Push Doctor as chief medical officer, looking at ways in which technology can help patients to access healthcare services through the use of video consultations and digital technology "I'm really emotional about leaving - it’s been a great eight years with the CCG, and I feel blessed to have had the support from all of the CCG team.

"Warrington is a special place - we're a community and we look after each other, so when the going gets tough we all pull together and get the job done and it's been a joy and a privilege to serve the town."

Dr Bunstone was first elected to the role of chairman in 2015, when Dr Andrew Davies stepped down to become clinical chief officer.

And the latter has paid homage to the man who succeeded him in the chairman's role.

He added: "During the four years that Dan has held the position as chairman, he has used his experience and position to influence improvements to local services and has always strived to ensure that local people receive the best possible care.

"As a local resident, Dan has always gone over and above to do what is best for the people of Warrington - his family, friends and neighbours.

"A clear demonstration of the improvements that have been made during the last four years is the improvement in overall performance, with the CCG securing a rating of good.

"Dan leaves a great legacy behind him, and we are sure that you will join us in wishing him well for the future."