Merton's healthcare boss, Howard Freeman, has announced he is to retire as chairman before the new Nelson Hospital opens its doors.

Dr Howard Freeman, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the summer, will retire from his post as chairman of the NHS Merton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) at the end of March.

The Nelson Hospital in Kingston Road, Wimbledon, is due to open in the spring.

A spokesman from the Merton CCG said over the last two years Dr Freeman has led the CCG on a very successful journey, including his work in establishing a CCG for the borough and responsibility for chairing the GP forum.

Dr Freeman said: "I have hugely enjoyed my time as chairman of Merton CCG and I’m delighted that it is in such a strong position, both financially and in terms of the achievements that have been made over a short space of time.

"It was always my intention to retire after one term of office, but I am sure that in stepping aside there will be other highly qualified applicants who will take forward the role and continue to ensure that people in Merton get the best possible health services."

He has played a vital role in the CCG’s Better Healthcare Closer to Home strategy.

As well as the new health facility in Wimbledon, plans are progressing for a new health centre in Mitcham.

Four sites are being considered for the development - the Wilson Hospital, Sibthorpe Road, Birches Close and Raleigh Gardens.

The spokesman said the CCG has greatly benefited from Howard’s knowledge and expertise in primary care, which has included being a senior partner with the largest GP practice in south west London.

The CCG has also gained from his experience as chair of the London Clinical Commissioning Council and on the London Health Board. Howard was previously a medical director for Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust and the south west London Cluster of PCTs.

As a result of all of his achievements Howard was awarded an MBE in June 2014 for services to primary care.

Eleanor Brown, chief officer for Merton CCG, said: "We are enormously grateful to Howard who has steered us through the process of launching as a CCG and helped us improve services for patients during our first two years as an organisation.

"The CCG has benefited greatly from the expertise and experience he has brought to the role of Chair and we are very sorry to see him go.

"We wish him all the very best for the future."

According to Merton CCG’s constitution the role of CCG chair is re-selected every two years.

A new appointment is expected to be announced in January, with the new chair beginning their term from April 1 to continue the work of the organisation.