Controversial NHS chief Dr Mark Atkinson in ‘sick leave’ mystery

Published: 11 February 2010
by TOM FOOT

THE top boss of NHS Camden – the borough’s primary care trust responsible for running health services – has taken leave from his post.

Dr Mark Atkinson, who was appointed chief executive five months ago, has not been seen at the office since last week and it is not clear when he will return.

An NHS Camden spokeswoman said last night (Wednesday): “Mark Atkinson is presently on sick leave and all the staff at NHS ­Camden wish him a swift recovery. Until his return, Liz Wise will be acting chief executive.”

Dr Atkinson, a trained medical practitioner, was promoted from the position of director of service improvement on September 14 after Rob Larkman moved to the Whittington Hospital. 

NHS campaigners have criticised him as the driving force behind controversial proposals to appoint Care UK, a private company, as provider of a new health ­centre in Hampstead Road without public consultation.

At the time of his appointment in September, Dr Atkinson said: “I’m honoured to take on this role and see it as a fantastic opportunity.”

Shortly after, Dr Atkinson told a council meeting: “The Department of Health has made it very clear that we do not have to consult on the type of service provider itself.” On November 12, he added: “You should in no way doubt my commitment or the commitment of the staff at NHS Camden to make this happen.” But days later, he announced the scheme had been withdrawn, blaming conflicting legal advice. 

A full consultation on the health centre will follow in the summer. In January, Dr Atkinson announced plans to slash Camden’s management budget by 30 per cent and warned the NHS was “entering austere times”.