This International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on our Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer, Georgie Duncan. As a leading clinical voice in digital health, Georgie shares how accelerating action is at the heart of creating a safer, more connected future for patients.
Clinicians handle sensitive patient data every day, but how often do we stop to consider the role we all play in Cyber Security? Georgie emphasises, “It’s not just an IT responsibility – every member of staff has a part to play in keeping our data safe.”
For Georgie, cyber security is not just about systems or protocols, but a mindset that must be cultivated across all teams. Simple daily practices, such as using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and staying alert to phishing attempts, can go a long way in reducing risks.
The role of clinical leaders in Cyber awareness
Georgie believes the foundation of a cyber-aware NHS lies in strong leadership. “We must lead by example,” she says, emphasising the need to actively engage with teams to understand their challenges and share knowledge.
By embedding cyber security into the culture of patient safety, it becomes an integral part of everyday care. “It’s about listening to understand,” Georgie explains. By tackling blockers head-on and engaging with staff, leaders can ensure that security isn’t an afterthought, but a core part of clinical practice.
Empowering women into digital healthcare leadership
One of the key themes for Georgie this International Women’s Day is empowering women to take on leadership roles in digital healthcare. “Digital health is an exciting space for women to lead change,” she says. Through mentorship, shadowing, and networking, women can become influential voices in shaping the future of healthcare.
“As a nurse, my role has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to use my professional knowledge and expertise to develop digital systems to improve care delivery for our patients. I also get to work with brilliant digital professionals, so no two days are the same. My role enables me to balance digital leadership with life commitments.” It’s a space where women can thrive both professionally and personally.
Accelerating Cyber Security awareness in clinical teams
As Associate CCIO, Georgie is working to make cyber a priority across all clinical teams. “Cyber Security must be embedded in everything we do, from system development to training and induction programmes. It’s about ensuring that the right cyber practices are in place from day one.”
Her approach is not just about technical measures – it’s about building a culture of collaboration where Cyber Security is prioritised alongside patient safety.
“We need to create visibility for our Cyber team and engage with all colleagues, to make sure everyone understands how their actions contribute to protecting patient data.”
Leaders like Georgie remind us that Cyber Security it’s not simply a technical issue – it’s a shared responsibility that requires commitment, teamwork, and a unified focus on patient safety.