The UK’s Department of Health (DH) has appointed Dame Fiona Caldicott as the nation’s guardian for health and care data.
According to the DH, Dame Fiona will be the “patients’ champion on security of personal medical information” to guarantee that personal data is protected.
Dame Fiona has significant experience in UK healthcare, with previous roles include president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and president of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is also chairman of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Her experience in data protection includes heading the Independent Information Governance Oversight Panel, which provides advice to the government on information sharing.
The Government has now strengthened her powers and Dame Fiona will be able to intervene if she is concerned by how an organisation is sharing data
Announcing Dame Fiona’s appointment the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: ”We need to be as determined to guarantee personal data is protected as we are enthusiastic to reap the benefits of sharing it.
“Dame Fiona will oversee the safe use of people’s personal health and care information and hold organisations to account if there is any cause for concern, ensuring public confidence.”