Dr Henrietta Hughes

Henrietta was previously the NHS national guardian, she provided leadership and support to Freedom to Speak Up Guardians across England in the NHS, Independent sector organisations, and other parts of the healthcare sector, with a view to making speaking up, business as usual.

Previously a medical director at NHS England, Henrietta continues her clinical role one day a week as a GP in central London. She was made a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2019 and honoured with an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal in the Queen’s New Year Honours List 2020.

In July 2022 Henrietta was appointed as the first ever Patient Safety Commissioner for England. In her new role she will help the NHS gain a greater understanding of what they can do to put patients first, better understand the importance of the views of patients, and promote the safety of patients in general.