The clinical chairman of the NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Darren Cocker, is to stand down.

Dr Cocker, who has been a GP at Lydden Surgery in Dover since 2005, was elected to his CCG role in 2013, at the onset of clinical commissioning in England.

The CCG buys and plans for the majority of health services in Deal, Dover and Shepway, and has an annual budget of £274 million, which is spent on 199,000 registered patients.

During his time as clinical chairman, Dr Cocker has seen the development of integrated care in the area, and wider access to primary care, supported through funding from the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund (PMCF).

This year has also seen the introduction of secondary care contracts in northern France, enabling NHS patients in the area to be treated in French hospitals for non-urgent care.

Dr Cocker said: “It’s been an enormous privilege for me to be clinical chairman at such an exciting time for the NHS locally, and it’s been a great honour to work with so many dedicated and inspirational colleagues.

“The CCG continues to lead the way in the development of community hubs, community hospital facilities and the better use of technology. And integrated care – the joining up of health and social care – is something that the CCG will advance with our partners.

“But after three years in the role, I feel that it’s time to hand over the reins to colleagues, as the CCG looks to the future and builds upon its ambitions.

“There is still a lot of work to do as we focus on the challenges of the future, such as improving access to mental health treatment and reducing health inequalities. That’s why I’ll still be involved in the work of the CCG during the transition phase following April 1, and until the CCG approves the appointment of a new chairman.”

After Thursday, March 31, Alistair Smith, will chair formal and informal governing body meetings until another chairman is appointed.

Hazel Carpenter, the CCG’s accountable officer, said: “Darren has brought an enormous amount of knowledge and experience to the CCG, and I’d like to thank him for his tireless work. His dedication to NHS services in Deal, Dover and Shepway remains as strong as ever, as does his commitment to patients who live in the area.

“Darren’s long-standing commitment to developing clinical leadership has left a legacy of more GPs locally involved in the work of the CCG – spending the NHS pound more wisely for the benefit of local residents. This means we are confident that we will be able to appoint a successor in due course.”

Dr Cocker is married with three children, and studied medicine at London’s Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital medical school.

Labour Group leader Mike Eddy said: "The CCG is a key player in the current development of an East Kent Strategy for health, and it will be interesting to see what impact a change of leadership at this time has on that process."