Website of the Department of Health
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Chief professional officers
The Department currently has six chief professional officers. Chief professional officers are leaders in their professions and provide the Department with expert knowledge about health and social care disciplines. They advise DH health ministers, other government departments and the Prime Minister. The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer are also board directors.
Christine Beasley, Chief Nursing Officer
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the Government's most senior nursing adviser. The CNO has responsibility for delivering the Government's strategy for nursing, Making a Difference, and leads over half a million nurses, midwives and health visitors and allied health professionals.
Barry Cockcroft, Chief Dental Officer
The Chief Dental Officer (CDO) is the Government's principal dental advisor and the professional head of dental staff in England. Barry Cockcroft was appointed Chief Dental Officer on 26 July 2006.
Karen Middleton, Chief Health Professions Officer
The Chief Health Professions Officer and her team work with a network of professionals who advise on specific issues affecting the allied health professionals (AHPs) and their practice.
Dr Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer
The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer is the professional lead at the Department of Health on implementation of the Government's Pharmacy in the Future programme.
Professor Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer
The Chief Scientific Officer is responsible for building the capacity of the Healthcare Science workforce and to developing Healthcare Scientists and their roles whilst raising their profile and recognition across the Department of Health.
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Organisations that work with DH
How the Department of Health, the NHS and social care work together to oversee the smooth running and direction of the system.
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