New Regional Director of Public Health Appointed

Date published: 11/07/2006

The task of making the north west a healthier place to live has been passed to Dr Ruth Hussey who has been appointed as the new Regional Director of Public Health of NHS North West and the Government Office.

She replaces Prof John Ashton who signalled his intention to stand down from the role last month.

"I am absolutely delighted that Ruth has been appointed as my successor," he said. "I have worked with her closely for over 20 years. She is an outstanding public health leader and I know that the region’s public health is safe in her hands."

Dr Hussey said: "It is an honour to be offered this job and to succeed John. Like him, I am passionate about tackling the health inequalities we see around us. We owe him a huge vote of thanks for what he has achieved over the last twenty years.

"However, the shocking life-expectancy figures published by the Office of National Statistics on Monday were a timely reminder that there is still much to be done.

"It is my aim is to ensure that the north west has a world class public health system that is capable of responding to current and future health problems. Working with all organisations in the North West and the public will be critical to achieving this goal."

Keith Barnes, Regional Director of Government Office for the North West, said: "I’m delighted that Ruth has been appointed Regional Director of Public Health and look forward to working closely with her. She knows the North West and understands as well as anyone the challenges the region faces.

"Ruth has a key part to play in the new NHS North West structure. I am confident that this new relationship with Government Office and its partners will ensure that Government policies on the region’s health are delivered in the most effective and joined-up way."

Mike Farrar, chief executive of NHS North West, said: "I am delighted that Ruth is joining our team. Improving the health of the people of the north west, particularly those living in the most deprived areas of the region, is our overriding priority."

Dr Hussey was previously the Director of Public Health/Medical Director for both Greater Manchester and Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authorities.

Before that she was Director of Public Health for Liverpool and was a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Liverpool University. 

Her early clinical training took place in hospitals and general practice.  Dr Hussey is an Honorary Fellow at Liverpool John Moores University and a visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool.