Responding to the news that Dr Penny Dash is the preferred candidate for the new chair of NHS England, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery said:

"Trust leaders across the acute, mental health, community and ambulance sector will welcome this announcement given Penny's extensive experience of both delivering and running health services.

"Her insight and expertise will prove invaluable at a critical moment for the NHS with the Ten-Year Health Plan underway and spending review fast approaching.

"We look forward to working with her."