A highly respected member of the governing body of the West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is set to retire at the end of the month.

Bill Banks, who served as vice-chairman, played an integral role in establishing the CCG in 2013 and provided strategic and impartial advice to governing body members in his role as lay member for governance.

Mr Banks also chaired the CCG’s audit, renumeration and human resources, and commisioning governance committees.

Prior to this, he worked for 42 years in local government and publci transport, latterly as director of resource management at Suffolk County Council.

Mr Banks said: “It has been a privilege to serve the NHS and a great pleasure to work with GPs and other colleagues at the CCG. I wish them well for the future. The CCG is in good hands.”

Dr Christopher Browning, a GP in Long Melford and chairman of the CCG’s governing body, said: “We are all very grateful for Bill’s contribution to the development and smooth running of the CCG over the last four years.

“As vice-chairman he has provided invaluable support to members to help them reach the right healthcare commissioning decisions.

“As a lay member for governance he has ensured the CCG meets its statutory guidelines and carries out its work according to nationally agreed standards.

“Bill has achieved a great deal and should be proud of his achievements. He will be greatly missed.”

Jo Finn, the CCG’s lay member for patient and public engagement, said: “Bill’s hard work and dedication over the last four years has helped place the CCG as one of the best performing in England.

“The CCG is nationally rated as ‘good’ for performance and patient care by NHS England and ended 2016/17 in a balanced financial position.

“He has been an excellent colleague and has supported members with openness and good humour. Bill has done so much for people in west Suffolk and he will be missed.”