A FORMER Department of Health advisor has been appointed to a leading role within a company taking over the running of a third of Southern Cross Healthcare’s homes.

Anne Williams, the former national director for learning disabilities for England, and the first president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) will join the new HC-One executive board as a non-executive director on November 1.

HC One Ltd, is a new firm formed in partnership between NHP and Court Cavendish.

NHP, the largest single landlord of the beleaguered healthcare firm, is taking back control of the 249 homes it leased to the Darlington company.

In addition, Liam Scanlon, former regional regulation manager with the Welsh Government’s Care and Social Services Inspectorate, has been appointed as the independent chairman of HC-One’s new safeguarding board.

The senior management team will also be joined by former Southern Cross regional directors Pam Finnis and Michael MacIntosh, who will assume managing director roles at HC-One.

It follows Southern Cross’ announcement in July that it was closing the business and negotiating with the landlords of its 752 care homes, in the hope they would take over the running of them.

Since September 30, 288 homes have transferred to the new operators with the process for the remaining homes expected to be completed by the beginning of next month.

HC-One chairman, Dr Chai Patel, said: “I am delighted Anne, Pam, and Michael are joining our team, their combined expertise in social care will be invaluable to HC-One.

“Liam’s knowledge of the regulatory framework is essential in moving this new business forward.”