The move was one of the key recommendations of an inquiry chaired by Dame Fiona Caldicott, a former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, to help improve the way the NHS handles confidential patient information.

Guardians, who should be senior health professionals, are to be in post by 1 April 1999.

Baroness Hayman, Health Minister, said the guardians would develop safeguards for the confidentiality of patient information in their organisations.

She said it was the responsibility of everyone working in the NHS to ensure that confidential information was protected.

Baroness Hayman said: "The guardians will have a vital role to play in the next few years as the NHS learns to harness the enormous potential of the latest information technology.

"Each organisation's performance in this area will be monitored and we will be looking for year on year improvements."

Dr Ian Bogle called for management support

Dr Ian Bogle, Chairman of the Council of the British Medical Association, also welcomed the introduction of guardians.

He said: "The BMA is pleased that the Caldicott Review started a programme to enhance the confidentiality of patient data in the health service.

"This process has a long way to go and setting up a system of guardians is a vital first step."

Dr Bogle said guardians would require support from senior level NHS managers to ensure that their work was effective, independent and meaningful.