One of the most powerful women in the North East's NHS has spoken out on "challenging but rewarding" year - while highlighting the privilege and responsibility she feels as the health service marks its 75th birthday.
Samantha Allen is the chief executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board - which came into existence almost exactly a year ago replacing the region's clinical commissioning groups. Over that year, the NHS has faced prolonged industrial action and its toughest ever winter, while the cost-of-living crisis and rocketing NHS bills have had a real impact on the health of North East communities.
Last autumn, Ms Allen took the bold step of writing to energy regulator Ofgem warning that energy price rises were life-threatening - and under her leadership the ICB has launched an ambitious strategy to slash health inequalities. She's also highlighted how public health is "decades" behind other areas of the UK.
