• Jeremy Hunt MP is appointed as chair of the health and social care select committee.
• Mr Hunt was previously the longest-serving health secretary.
• NHS Providers welcomes upcoming focus for the committee on patient safety, mental health, workforce and social care.

Responding to the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as chair of the health and social care committee, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

“We look forward to working with Jeremy Hunt as the new chair of the health and social care committee, and continuing to build on the honest, open and constructive dialogue we shared whilst he served as secretary of state for health.

“For the coming year, we welcome Mr Hunt’s focus on patient safety, mental health, workforce and social care. These key areas fundamentally affect the ability of trusts to deliver high-quality patient care.

For the coming year, we welcome Jeremy Hunt's focus on patient safety, mental health, workforce and social care

“We have outlined specific subjects we encourage the committee to hone in on to Mr Hunt, including NHS pensions and the clinical review of standards.

“Additionally, we have urged the committee to consider holding a wide-ranging inquiry on the NHS long term plan. This should include setting priorities, working out clear delivery timescales, and examining commitments on financial recovery, integrated care and broader system working.”