04/10/2010

Health Gets New Permanent Secretary

The Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Sir Gus O'Donnell, is pleased to announce the appointment of Una O’Brien as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health.

Una was chosen following a national open competition and is currently the Director General, Policy and Strategy, at the Department. It follows Sir Hugh Taylor’s retirement from the Department in July 2010. The appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister and by the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley.


Una O'Brien will take up her post at the end of the month.



The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, said:
 "I am delighted that Una O’Brien has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health. She has considerable Whitehall and health service experience, which will be vital in helping the Department deliver on the reforms for the health and social care system, and leading the Department through the challenges ahead.

"I would also like to thank Richard Douglas, who has done a tremendous job leading the Department as Acting Permanent Secretary since Sir Hugh’s departure in July.”
"

Commenting on her new role, Una O'Brien said: 
"I'm very proud to have been asked to lead a Department with such a fine record and great people. Health is an issue that touches the lives of every person in this country, and I look forward to playing my part in guiding the Department through the changes and challenges ahead."

(BMcN/GK)

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