The chairman of NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group is to retire at the end of September.

Dr Zuhair Zarifa has led the CCG since 2012, overseeing a number of projects during that time.

The group commissions the majority of health services for the borough and under Dr Zariga’s leadership has developed a latent TB screening and treatment programme, won an award for mental health work and opened the new Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health and Wellbeing Centre in Stratford.

Dr Zarifa said: “To stand down as chair is not a decision I have come to lightly or quickly, as I have planned my retirement for some time.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved with our partners in health and social care and what we are doing to improve the health and wellbeing of local people in Newham.”

Chief officer of NHS Newham CCG, Steve Gilvin, added: “On behalf of the board and all of our staff, I want to thank Zuhair for his enormous contribution to the effective running of NHS Newham CCG and his tireless commitment to improving the care of local people over the last 20 years.

“He is a true champion of our patients. His leadership, support and expertise will be greatly missed.”

Despite stepping down from the CCG, Dr Zarifa will continue to see patients at his Custom House surgery.

The process has begun to elect a new chair.