The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) has appointed Dr Ian Gargan as chief executive, effective 5 September.

Gargan has experience as a medical doctor and qualified psychologist who has worked in the public and private healthcare sectors and has extensive experience in leading healthcare organisations. He joins PHIN from Imagine Healthcare, an organisation providing mental health and wellbeing services to large global corporations.

PHIN’s chair, Jayne Scott, said: “Ian joins at an exciting time and I have every confidence that he will continue to move PHIN forward, working together with all our stakeholders.”

Gargan added: “I believe passionately in the mission of PHIN to make information available that supports excellent patient care and brings transparency in the marketplace. People considering private healthcare require reliable, objective and independent information to inform their treatment choices. I am excited to lead the team at PHIN, to work closely with the PHIN board and all our stakeholders to complete the mandate set out in the CMA order.”

David Hare, chief executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “With growing numbers of people choosing to pay privately for their care, PHIN’s role has never been more important in helping to improve transparency in the sector and to support patients to navigate the privately-funded care which is available to them in the UK. I look forward to working with Ian and his team and continuing to support patients in making the best possible choices about their care.”