Dame Fiona Caldicott tribute

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), has paid tribute to Dame Fiona Caldicott, Trust Chairman from 2009 to 2019, who passed away earlier today (Monday 15 February 2021) - his message to all staff at OUH about this very sad news  is reproduced below.

"It is with great sadness that I am writing to you today to let you know that Dame Fiona Caldicott passed away this morning.

Dame Fiona was Chairman of the Trust from 2009 until she stepped down from her role on 31 March 2019 when her term of office came to an end.

Her achievements and accomplishments were many and varied - for example, she was the first ever female President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the College in November 2018.

She was previously Principal of Somerville College at the University of Oxford and Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and she continued to influence national health policy after stepping down from her role at OUH as the National Data Guardian for Health and Social Care.

Dame Fiona brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Chairman of our Trust. Her judgement, passion for the NHS, and commitment to our aim of providing compassionate and excellent care for patients all guided her leadership of the Board.

At this very sad time our thoughts are with Dame Fiona's family, friends and the many former colleagues here at OUH and throughout the NHS by whom she will be greatly missed.

I am very sorry to have to let you know such sad news today."