Dr Bill Kirkup CBE has been appointed by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to lead investigations for some of the most serious and complex cases brought to the Ombudsman by members of the public, such as avoidable harm and deaths.
His previous expertise at the helm of high profile health investigations will help in cases with potentially wide-reaching implications. As Lead Associate Investigator, Dr Kirkup will have overall accountability and oversight of all aspects of a small number of significant investigations.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Julie Mellor said:
Dr Kirkup’s appointment will provide additional investigative expertise and confirms our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service to the public. I'm delighted to welcome him on board and look forward to him bringing his extensive knowledge and expertise to the organisation.'
Dr Kirkup has been responsible for a number of high profile health investigations in recent years. He was Chairman of the Morecambe Bay Investigation in July 2013 and led investigations into the Oxford paediatric cardiac surgery unit and Jimmy Savile’s involvement with Broadmoor Hospital.
Bill Kirkup said:
I'm very pleased to have been asked to do this work with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. It's a very important area that it is vital to get right, and I hope to be able to contribute to that.'
Four out of five Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman investigations concern the NHS in England.
Notes to editors
- The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman makes final decisions on complaints which haven't been resolved locally by the NHS in England and UK government departments and other UK public organisations.
- For more information please contact Elliott Frisby on 0300 061 1550
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