ONE of the leading figures in the plans to reconfigure hospital services in north London is leaving for a top job in the NHS.

Rachel Tyndall is due to step down as chief executive of the North Central London Sector to take a job at NHS London, changing the way cancer care is delivered in the capital.

Ms Tyndall spearheaded efforts over the last few years to integrate health trusts across north London, culminating in the creation of the North Central London sector.

Under her leadership, PCTs in Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Islington, and Camden have joined forces and are now tackling issues like budget cuts and the transfer of powers to GPs together.

Ms Tyndall has also been a leading figure in the development of the Case for Change, the plan to dramatically reconfigure hospital services across Haringey, Barnet, and Enfield.

The plans, which would see Chase Farm Hospital downgraded, were revived this autumn following a review ordered by the health secretary, and are now being considered by NHS London.

Ms Tyndall said of her new role: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring my experience, as the chair of the NCL Cancer Board and programme lead for London stroke services, to focus on improving cancer services for Londoners.

“It will be a challenging role, but one that will result in London having the some of the best cancer service in the world.”

Paula Kahn, chairman of the North Central London Sector, said: “Rachel has a made a magnificent contribution in NCL in several leadership roles and has forged strong relationships with our partners within the health economy both locally and wider.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Rachel to take up a new leadership role in the NHS working in an area that she is passionate about. We all wish her well in her new job.”

Ms Tyndall had been the leading candidate for the chief executive post in the newly merged north central London health trust, and this will now be thrown open to other candidates.

She will leave for her new job when a chief executive has been appointed in January.