In the job spec for the NHS CB Director of Patient Insight (and Informatics) it states that candidates should ''lead the IT function for the Board and will lead efforts to mine data which currently sits in silos across the NHS", and "use informatics in service improvement" These phrases imply the need for health informatics professionalism in the handling of health-related data, possibly by third party infomediaries and 'any qualified provider'. UKCHIP notes that may of its exisiting registrants are already carrying out these tasks in addition to using health information for other purposes, including patient/client management, operational performance management, strategic planning and agreed research. As those in emerging CCIO roles will be 'feeding the central beast', their competences will be similar in many ways. UKCHIP has resources available to facilitate those newly appointed CCIOs and those aspiring to that role in getting formally registered -- in the same way that we are encouraging the 'top of the office' to do likewise. Can you risk the PI Director getting recognised for Health Informatics competences before you do??? Contact us at UKCHIP or do the self-assessment yourselves through our website.

Dr Jean Roberts, Director (Standards), UKCHIP Board