THE chairman of Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has stepped down from his role.
Dr Tony Banerjee, 33, says it is with a "heavy heart" that he leaves the board – a group of local doctors and medical professionals who decide how money is spent on healthcare in Hull.
He made the announcement to colleagues on Friday.
Dr Banerjee, who is a partner at Marfleet Group Practice, said: "It is with a really heavy heart I'm having to do it. But it has been so hard juggling my two roles as GP and as CCG chairman.
"There has been increasing pressures on both roles and I feel as though I've been pulled in two different directions. But I've really enjoyed my time as chairman. I'm disappointed I'm leaving."
Dr Banerjee joined Hull CCG three years ago when it was still operating in a shadow form. It officially launched on April 1 this year, marking a number of changes made to the UK health service.
But in recent months, Dr Banerjee and his colleagues at Marfleet have seen an increase in patient demand.
He said: "The practice is getting increasingly busy.
"I just don't have the time to do both, and I am a GP first and foremost."
Hull CCG has made a number of headlines in the Mail since it officially launched earlier this year.
These include launching a new grant project for community groups with ideas on how to make the city healthy and ongoing work on maternity service provision.
Dr Banerjee said: "The biggest highlight for me has been getting the CCG through its authorisation process.
"As a board we've been changing the way doctors work and there is now a lot more collective working."
As chairman of Hull CCG, Dr Banerjee also had a seat on the City Leadership Board. He wrote to board members on Friday explaining he hoped to continue supporting it from a different forum.
He said: "Being from Hull, it has always been important for me, making sure the city is moving in the right direction."
GP and fellow board member Dr Dan Roper, the CCG's lead for maternity services, will be stepping into the chairman's seat. He will act as interim chairman and this will be reviewed in a month's time.
However, the selection and election process for a new chairman will begin as soon as possible.
Dr Banerjee said: "Dan is a very experienced GP and board member.
"I wouldn't have been satisfied leaving unless it was being left in the hands of someone like Dan. Sometimes a change is a good thing and perhaps Dan will bring some new ideas to the role."
The Mail contacted Hull CCG about Dr Banerjee's departure.
A spokesman said: "The board wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Dr Banerjee for all his support and efforts before, during and after the successful authorisation of the CCG.
"It also wishes him every success for the future."
