HACKNEY’S health and adult social care watchdog has elected a new Chair for the coming year, former microbiologist Malcolm Alexander.

HACKNEY’S health and adult social care watchdog has elected a new Chair for the coming year, former microbiologist Malcolm Alexander.

Mr Alexander has been an active campaigner for the rights of patients and the public in the NHS for over 20 years.

After working as a microbiologist investigating hospital acquired infection, he went on to found Casualty Watch, a regular survey of waiting times in accident and emergency departments.

Mr Alexander embarrassed successive governments with revelations of long waiting times for emergency care.

“I am delighted to be taking on this role in Hackney at such a crucial time for the future of our health and social care services,” he said.

“I want to make sure that we organise locally as well as nationally to stop healthcare from being privatised and to make sure that the NHS is fully accountable to patients and the public and remains more than just a ‘brand’ name.”

Outgoing Chair Ida Scoullos commented: “I wish Malcolm well and am sure his experience will be invaluable to the LINk in the coming year.”