Former GP leader is new MHF chair

Leading GP Dr John Chisholm has been appointed chair of the Forum.

Dr Chisholm is a long-term supporter of and advisor to the MHF on self-care and men’s access to primary care. He had a high profile role in negotiating the new contract for NHS general practitioners.

Dr Chisholm has been a member of the Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners for eight years, and has held a number of elected positions at the British Medical Association (BMA) culminating in leading GPs’ negotiations with government for seven years. He has also held positions on a large number of other UK committees and organisations, including bodies advising the government.

John said: 'I am delighted to have the opportunity to chair the Men’s Health Forum - an organisation whose work I have always made time to support. We now know a lot about how to improve men’s health but there is still a lot to do to put that knowledge into practice and make a real difference to men. I look forward to building on the MHF’s many successes.'

John Chisholm replaces Professor Alan White as chair of the Men’s Health Forum. While leader of the Forum, Alan became the world’s first professor of men’s health. One of the organisation's founders, he had been chair since the MHF became an independent charity in 2001. Thanks for everything, Alan.

John's appointment is the latest in a series of developments designed to position the Forum to operate in the new funding climate and to work with the new NHS. Earlier this year the charity appointed a new chief executive, Martin Tod, who had previously held senior positions at Shelter, Vodafone and Procter & Gamble.

Last week the Department of Health announced that the MHF will continue to be one of its voluntary sector strategic partners working with NHS England and Public Health England.