Dr James Hickling is a doctor and a senior leader in the NHS. He helps make sure people in Essex get good health and care services.
James leads work to improve research and new ideas in healthcare. He also helps doctors and other health professionals make sure services are safe, effective and meet the needs of local people.
James trained to be a doctor at King’s College London. He then became a GP, which means he worked as a doctor in local GP surgeries. He moved to Essex in 2006 and worked in GP surgeries around Colchester and Clacton.
James has also worked in London and has helped people living in some of the most disadvantaged areas. This made him very interested in making sure everyone has a fair chance to be healthy, no matter where they live.
He has spent many years working to improve NHS services. He is particularly interested in preventing illnesses, especially heart disease and other long-term health problems.
James has also worked as a researcher. He studied how illnesses affect whole groups of people and how we can use research to make healthcare better.
Outside work, James enjoys spending time in his garden. He looks after a small orchard and meadow. He also enjoys going on long walks with his partner.