Introducing our Acting CEO, Jack Griffin

We are delighted to introduce our Acting Chief Executive, Jack Griffin, who has stepped up to the role while we search for a permanent replacement.?

Can you introduce yourself, your history at PHIN and why you joined?

I joined PHIN nearly 3 ago as the Finance and Commercial Director. PHIN works at a really interesting intersection between patients/consumers, healthcare, technology and digital and I feel that the work we do can have a real impact.

There is a big challenge ahead of us but at the same time we have clear direction and trajectory and everyone in the PHIN team contributes to that.??

What do you want to see achieved while you are Acting Chief Executive?

My primary focus as Acting Chief Executive is the development of a multi-year programme to deliver the remainder of CMA Order and to make sure that its implemented effectively. If we are going to be successful at delivering this – and support patients to make more informed decisions – then it’s not something that we at PHIN can do in isolation. We are in the middle of an extensive period of discussions with stakeholders across the private healthcare sector about how we deliver this programme.

The key focus for me personally over the next few months is making sure we build on momentum from this process both internally and externally, and at the same time listening and working in a collaborative way. I know I have the support of a great team and our Board to do this.

Of course, my other priority is to lay the groundwork for the new CEO. ?

What role do you see PHIN playing in some of the challenges and opportunities in the private healthcare sector at the moment?

From our data, we can clearly see the number of people self-funding their private treatment is increasing. PHIN’s website can play a key role to help new and returning patients get access to the information they need at the right time.

Our challenge is to present what can be quite complex information to patients in a clear and helpful way, as well as making sure that there aren’t any gaps in the information patients are looking for. Choosing who will undertake your treatment is clearly a big decision and our challenge is to support that process. It sounds simpler than it is.?

What else is on the horizon for PHIN?

PHIN has achieved a lot over the last 7-8 years but there is much more that needs to be achieved, which is the focus of the roadmap we are currently developing. Ultimately, we are all pushing for the best end-product for patients – better information, more transparency and accessibility to the information. There are certainly challenges ahead, but there is a collective will across the sector achieve that.?

You know a few people in the sector but not everyone will know you. Can you tell us a few things about your life outside of work that people might find interesting?

I really like to travel and if I could be anywhere at any point in time, it would probably be at the top of a mountain, climbing or hiking. I go as often as I can. However, in the absence of infinite annual leave, I make do with some indoor climbing or bouldering, usually followed up with a well-deserved pint.