Mr Bacon, who was also regional director of the NHS in London, joined the CCA – which represents Boots, Lloydspharmacy, Well, Rowlands and Superdrug, as well as the pharmacy arms of Morrisons, Tesco and Asda – last week (November 1), it said.

At the DH he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the NHS in England, and had oversight of finance, capital investment, staff and relations with the private sector.

Mr Bacon has previously chaired both Barts Health NHS Trust and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and is currently chair of the DH-owned property investment company, Community Health Partnerships.

He takes over from Margaret MacRury, superintendent director of Rowlands, who chaired the CCA during its time with Pharmacy Voice.

In a CCA announcement today (November 7), Mr Bacon said he is “delighted” to join as chair.

“With a new strategy and team in place, I look forward to working with the CCA team to help it deliver its vision that everyone, everywhere, should benefit from world class healthcare and wellbeing services provided by their community pharmacy.”