Baroness Nicola Blackwood steps down as Minister of Innovation

  • 18 February 2020
Baroness Nicola Blackwood steps down as Minister of Innovation
MP Nicole Blackwood

The minister responsible for innovation and technology in the health sector has stepped down to “pursue new ventures”.

Baroness Nicola Blackwood, who was appointed a Lord and minister of innovation in January 2019, previously served as a Conservative MP for Oxford West and Abingdon from 2010 until 2017.

She announced on social media on 14 February, following a cabinet reshuffle, that she had decided to step down.

A number of senior NHS IT figures responded to Baroness Blackwood, including NHSX CEO, Matthew Gould who said it had been “brilliant” working with her.

“We will miss your leadership, insights and kindness,” he added.

NHSX CCIO, Simon Eccles, said it had been a “privilege” working with Baroness Blackwood while NHS Digital CEO, Sarah Wilkinson, wished her all the best and said she would be missed.

https://twitter.com/SarahFWilkinson/status/1228625395802607621

 

Baroness Blackwood’s responsibilities include ‘life sciences policy and industry engagement, industrial strategy and NHS innovation’ as well as ‘data, digital and technology, including cyber security’ in the healthcare sector.

She had previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the then-called Department of Health from July 2016 until June 2017.

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