The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Cabinet Office’s Government Technology Service (GTS) have joined forces to create a new post to drive forward a dynamic programme of digital transformation within the DHSC which will benefit patients, service users and staff.
Richard Wild has been appointed as Chief Information and Digital Officer for the Department, assuming a lead role both within the DHSC and GTS.
He has extensive proven experience in managing transformation and change projects across health and social care services both in the Isle of Man and in the UK, including a broad range of executive-level positions within the UK Health Service focused on transformation and governance programmes. Specific roles included Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the NHS in England and as a former director at the UK’s Department of Health.
In this new role Richard will play a key part in delivering the Government’s overall Digital Strategy, with a specific emphasis on the digital transformation of the Island’s health and social care services.
Commenting on his new role, Richard said:
'I’m eager to start and I firmly believe that this is another step forward in the work that’s already underway to transform the Island’s health and social care services, and an indication of the positive change that is still to come.'
Reflecting this twin-focus approach, the new role will report to both the Chief Executive at the DHSC, Malcolm Couch, and the Director of GTS, Mark Lewin.
Mark Lewin was delighted to welcome Richard on board:
'This represents a different approach to what’s gone before, with this new role reporting into both organisations and managing resources across them. Digital transformation has to be led by people who understand the frontline needs and the art of the possible. Bridging the organisations in this way will be critical in delivering both our digital strategy and transforming health and social care on the Island.'
Welcoming Richard into the team, Malcolm Couch said:
'This is clear evidence of just how seriously we are taking this technological transformation across the entire Department. Richard’s breadth of experience, both here and in the UK, is another positive step forward in making that happen.'
