A new Director of Public Health for Plymouth has been announced.
Professor Steve Maddern will be joining Plymouth City Council in December, as Dr Ruth Harrell steps down after eight years in the role.
Steve, who is originally from Plymouth, brings a wealth of experience to the role having successfully led public health initiatives in Swindon where he is currently Director of Public Health. He began his early career in pharmacy and has worked in a number of roles in the NHS, Public Health England and local authorities.
As the new Director, he will take responsibility for a number of key areas including public health, environmental health, trading standards, community empowerment, leisure, licensing and bereavement services.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve to Plymouth and his expertise and experience will be invaluable as we work to make Plymouth a brilliant place to grow up and to grow old. I would also like to express huge thanks to Ruth for all her hard work over the last eight years as Director of Public Health. I have greatly appreciated all her advice during our time working together.”
Tracey Lee, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ruth for her outstanding contributions to public health in Plymouth and her commitment and dedication, in particular the absolutely pivotal role that she played in guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I look forward to working with Steve and we welcome the expertise and fresh perspective he’ll bring as we work to deliver our public health priorities to support local residents.”
Ruth first joined the Council as a consultant in Public Health in 2014 and then became Interim Director of Public Health before taking on the role permanently in 2017. She will remain at the Council but is moving into a part-time consultant role which will help to ensure a smooth transition.
Ruth said: “I'm delighted that Steve is joining Plymouth City Council as the new Director of Public Health. Unfortunately, my own health means that I couldn't continue to give the role all that it required - and that the people of Plymouth deserve. I am really pleased to be able to hand over the baton to Steve and look forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of the team in the future.”