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New national whistleblowing guardian is appointed

Henrietta Hughes, a practising GP and NHS England medical director, has been appointed to the national whistleblowing guardian role to replace leading nurse Dame Eileen Sills
Henrietta Hughes

An NHS England medical director has been appointed to the national whistleblowing guardian role replacing chief nurse Dame Eileen Sills who resigned after just two months.


Henrietta Hughes, new national guardian for speaking up freely and safely within the NHS

The Care Quality Commission has today announced that Henrietta Hughes, a practising GP and the NHS England medical director for the north, central and east London regions, is the new national guardian for speaking up freely and safely within the NHS.

She replaces Dame Eileen who stepped down in March after being appointed in January.

Dame Eileen cited the difficulties of combining the role with her job as chief nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

The role was recommended in Sir Robert Francis’ independent review last year into whistleblowing and it is intended to lead a cultural change in NHS trusts so healthcare staff feel supported to raise concerns.

Transparency

Dr Hughes will support the network of freedom to speak up guardians in NHS trusts and said she was ‘very excited’ about the appointment.

England’s chief nursing officer Jane Cummings said: ‘The experience [Dr Hughes] brings to this role will be key in delivering an open and transparent health service.’

Dame Eileen gave a commitment to work two days a week on the national guardian role, but Dr Hughes is committing four days a week.

She will continue to work as GP and is expected to start in October alongside a small team.

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