Department of Health (National): New National Medical Director for Revalidation

Dr Anita Thomas has been appointed as the new Medical Director for the NHS Revalidation Support Team, the Department of Health announced today.

Anita Thomas is a consultant in acute medicine at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and has been closely involved with medical education and training. Her experience includes being a founding member of the Peninsula Medical School and a lead assessor for the General Medical Council on fitness to practice procedures.

Previously, Dr Thomas was chair of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board training committee and was awarded an OBE for services to medicine in 2007.

Welcoming the appointment, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:

“This is a key leadership appointment which will help shape and support revalidation. Dr Thomas will help to ensure that we have a system for doctors that is effective, supports high quality care and provides confidence to the public.

“Dr Thomas has vast experience in medical education, training and fitness to practice performance procedures. Her clinical leadership and experience will be a real asset to the Revalidation Support Team.”

Commenting on her new role, Dr Thomas said:

“I am delighted to be taking up the post of Medical Director at the Revalidation Support Team. Maintaining rigorous standards is critical to offering good patient care.

“Patients and the public have the right to expect that their doctors are fit to practise and have up to date skills. I am looking forward to working with colleagues within the medical community to help ensure we have a revalidation system that is trusted and provides assurance to doctors.”

Dr Thomas will leave her current job as National Clinical Director for Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and take up her appointment on 1 June, working three and a half days a week. She will also continue to work as a hospital consultant at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

Notes to Editors

1. A full biography and photograph of Dr Thomas is available from the Department of Health’s press office by calling 020 7210 5221.

1. The post of Medical Director for the Revalidation Support Team was the subject of an open national recruitment exercise.

1. For further information please contact the Department of Health press office on: 020 7210 5221.

Contacts

 NDS Enquiries 
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept 
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk