STORY
Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Expert Adviser on Health, Downing Street confirmed today. The move signals a renewed focus on innovation, integration and preventive care as the government seeks to overhaul NHS delivery and tackle deep-rooted issues across the health and social care system. Heitmueller, a respected figure in healthcare strategy, currently serves as CEO of Imperial College Health Partners and was previously Executive Director of Strategy at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. He will work directly with ministers to support the government’s ambitions for reform, particularly in areas like system-wide innovation, data use and public health outcomes.
Born in Germany in 1974, Heitmueller has built his career in the UK and is known for his emphasis on data-driven decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. His appointment reflects growing recognition that the NHS needs fresh leadership to address long-standing inefficiencies and rising demand. With the government under pressure to deliver tangible improvements before the next election, Heitmueller will play a key role in shaping a health strategy that aims to be both ambitious and achievable.