Duncan Selbie has today been confirmed as the chief executive designate of Public Health England.
Currently chief executive of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Selbie will head up the new organisation that will be established in April 2013 as part of the NHS reforms.
It will support local health services, protect the nation’s health through better integrated working, and help members of the public to make healthier choices.
Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, said of the news: “Mr Selbie’s role will be to take forward the plans to establish Public Health England and its structure and provide strategic leadership and vision for the protection and improvement of the nation’s health.
“This is an incredibly crucial position which carries significant responsibilities and I look forward to him bringing his characteristics of leadership, independence and strategic direction to the role.”
Selbie added: “I am delighted at the opportunity I am being given. I do not in any way underestimate the challenge this presents. By getting this right, I believe Public Health England will make a unique and extremely positive contribution to the public’s health alongside local government and the NHS.”
Once fully established, PHE will support the development of the public health workforce, jointly appointing local authority directors of public health, supporting excellence in public health practice and providing a national voice for the profession.
