Press release

New chair appointed for the newly-formed Devices Expert Advisory Committee

Dr Peter Nightingale has been appointed as chairman of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Devices Expert Advisory Committee (DEAC).

Peter Nightingale

Dr Peter Nightingale has been appointed as chairman of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Devices Expert Advisory Committee (DEAC).

The DEAC has been formed following an independent review on MHRA access to clinical advice and engagement with the clinical community. This new committee will replace the Committee on the Safety of Devices.

The new committee will be responsible for providing independent, expert strategic advice to the agency in support of its role to ensure that medical devices are acceptably safe and are used both safely and effectively.

It will also support the agency in developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with clinical professional bodies.

Dr Nightingale is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine and was president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists until September 2012. He was formerly president of the Intensive Care Society and vice chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

MHRA Devices Director John Wilkinson said:

“I am delighted that Dr Nightingale has accepted this appointment at a time when the agency is busy implementing the recommendations of the review chaired by Professor Terence Stephenson into access to clinical advice.

“His expertise and experience will be invaluable in helping the agency as it responds to the demands of the future.”

Dr Nightingale said:

“I am delighted to be taking on this role. The new committee will play a vital role in providing expert advice for MHRA on a huge range of medical issues and will help to ensure safe use and management of medical devices.”

Background

  1. MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are as safe as is reasonably possible. Underpinning all our work lies strong and evidence-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. MHRA is a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which also includes the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health.

  2. See more information about the Devices Expert Advisory Committee.

Published 18 February 2015