New ICA Director to Drive Joined-up Healthcare and Reduce Inequality

A new Director has been appointed to lead Suffolk and North East Essex’s pioneering Integrated Care Academy (ICA) which brings partner organisations together to help provide the best integrated care locally and beyond.

Dr Caroline Angus, currently the Head of Innovation at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, has been appointed to this important role. Dr Angus has provided strategic leadership for health and care innovation and championed partnership working in her current role. She has previously worked as a Transformation Lead for cancer services in East and West Suffolk, as a Health Improvement Commissioner for Suffolk County Council, as well as holding a number of academic posts in higher education. 

She replaces Interim Director Elizabeth Moloney, who took over the role on a temporary basis in June. 

The ICA brings together the University of Suffolk, the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, Suffolk County Council, local councils in Suffolk, Healthwatch Suffolk and other voluntary and community organisations.  

Dr Angus said: “The ICA is the first partnership of its kind in the country to take a co-ordinated approach to improving integrated care in the community through research, education, leadership development and digital transformation. 

“It is exciting to take over the reins to continue to drive innovation which will reduce health inequalities and help to improve quality of life through a more joined-up approach in areas such as mental health support and end-of-life care.”  

Stephen Welfare, Chair of the ICA, said: “Caroline’s track record and extensive experience working in the NHS, local authority and in higher education make her the ideal leader to bring together our wide-ranging programmes and engage both individuals and organisations in helping to make real improvements in delivering integrated care. 

“I am grateful to Elizabeth Moloney for ensuring the ICA is in the best possible shape to deliver our current and future transformational programmes.” 

Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of the NHS Suffolk & North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “The ICA has a vital role to play through research, education and workforce development to ensure we can deliver integrated care which makes a real difference to individuals through our unique partnerships  

“We are looking forward to welcoming Caroline to lead the ICA on the next stage of its journey.” 

Launched in 2021, the ICA aims to improve integrated care and reduce inequalities in Suffolk and Northeast Essex and beyond. The ICA’s priorities include improving mental health and wellbeing, supporting quality of life for children, young people and older adults, and optimising end-of-life care.