Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC) has launched an election process for a new chair.

Nominations are now open for the leadership position, following the announcement that the current chair, Dr Merryl Watkins, will be retiring from the role.

The position is open to elected DDLMC committee members only, who are invited to make their submissions via email before Friday, 13 February.

Dr Watkins will remain an active committee member, representing Derby City South Primary Care Network area (PCN), as well as continuing as a GP at Parkfields Surgery in Alvaston.

She has successfully led the committee for the past four years, supported by medical director, Dr Ben Milton, and the DDLMC operational team.

However, she says it is time for her to hand over the reins to someone who can lead DDLMC into the future.

Dr Watkins said: “I have honestly loved being the DDLMC chair, and as a team we have worked hard to ensure the committee and office team are the best they can be.

“The health landscape in Derbyshire - and nationally – is changing, and the LMC has a vital and more prominent role to play as we navigate the future of primary care.

“My colleagues know how dedicated I am to grassroots general practice, and chairing the committee has been a delight.

“However, I believe that it’s the right time for a more vocal and outgoing chair who can help raise the profile of DDLMC.”

Dr Watkins took on the role of chair only six months after joining the committee.

She added: “It has been a privilege to be part of such a great team. Everyone is so interactive and interested in making general practice the best it can be.”

Support will be provided for the successful candidate, and Dr Watkins has invited interested committee members to contact her for an informal chat about their suitability for the role.