It is with great sadness that this week we received news from his family of the death of David Worskett, the former Network Chief Executive, who ran the organisation between 2007 and 2013.

David was very much the driving force behind the development of what was then known as the NHS Partners Network as it became established as the membership organisation for those independent sector providers that delivered services to NHS patients. David’s leadership saw membership of the organisation grow from hospitals to diagnostic services and also into community and primary care, with the Network firmly established as the voice of the industry.

David threw himself into every challenge and he was at all times guided by what was going to improve services for NHS patients. David was rightly very proud of what he achieved at the Network and his positive legacy will live on for many years to come.

His warmth, humour and energy rubbed off on all that knew him. David was a true gentleman and news of his death is a sad day for IHPN and for the independent healthcare sector as a whole.

Our thoughts and condolences are with David’s wife Pam and his two children, Hugh and Louisa.

For donations, the family have nominated Dorothy House Hospice, who provided the most amazing care for him in his final week. Donations should be made in memory of David Worskett.