Summary
Dr Tracey Vell MBE has retired from her post as Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (GMPCB).
On Friday, 18 September, over 60 colleagues gathered to say their goodbyes to Tracey in a formal celebration at Manchester Art Gallery.
The event saw more than 60 colleagues from across the NHS, primary care, local government, industry partners and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector come together to celebrate Tracey’s retirement. Members of Tracey’s close family were also present.
Tracey has spent an incredible 40 years in NHS service in various leadership roles. In 2015 she was responsible for forming GMPCB at the beginning of Greater Manchester’s devolution, creating the country’s first primary care collaborative.
During the evening Tracey was presented with flowers and other gifts as a token of appreciation for her years of leadership and dedication to championing primary care.
The evening included speeches from colleagues who have worked alongside Tracey, including Dharmesh Patel, CEO of Primary Eyecare Services; Rob Bellingham, strategic adviser for GMPCB and former Chief Commissioning Officer at NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM); Vish Mehra, Chief Medical Officer at Health Innovation Manchester (HInM); and Dr Jaweeda Idhoo, GP and Chief Medical Officer at Greater Manchester Primary Care CIC.
Described as strong, compassionate and caring, Tracey was praised by her colleagues for being ‘someone who makes sense of chaos’, ‘sees a problem and makes it better’ and brings a ‘rare mix of pace and purpose’.
It was clear from the reaction in the room, that Tracey is well loved and well respected by all who have had the pleasure of meeting and working with her during her 40 year career.
We wish Tracey all the best in her retirement and look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds.
Colleagues who attended the event are asked to share their photos by emailing: info.gmpcb@nhs.net. A collection of photos from the evening will be shared with Tracey.
