Serco to usher in healthcare head

It recently won a brief to provide out-of-hours NHS primary care services in Cornwall. Its portfolio also includes the PCTs in Cardiff and Oxfordshire.

Serco head of press and PR Graham Capper  said the exact title of the role was yet to be decided, but the holder will report to MD of health UK Tim Flanagan.

Capper added that the postholder may be expected to build a team.
Serco is looking to expand its UK healthcare arm as the Government increasingly turns to the private sector. However, it will be a challenge to overcome cynicism around the public sector's reliance on private provision.

'There is nervousness about private sector involvement in health, yet opticians and dentists – private providers – are an accepted part of the NHS,' said Capper.

Serco also works in local government, defence, education and aerospace.