01.04.20
Liverpool appoints new Director of Public Health
A new Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council has been appointed and will step into the role today (Apr 1).
Matthew Ashton, 47, will take on the responsibility of keeping the 500,000 citizens in Liverpool happy and healthy, a notable task to take on during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He begins the role from a study in his house, where he will stay until government restrictions related to stemming the coronavirus spread are lifted.
Prior to today’s appointment, Mr Ashton held the role of Director of Public Health at Sefton Council for four years.
Local to Liverpool, he is a father of two and son of a former North West Regional Director of Public Health, making history as the first father and son to hold these roles in the UK.
Matt will be working closely with the University of Liverpool, and taking on a position of Honorary Professor in the Department of Public Health and Policy.
Matthew Ashton said:
“Although this is my first official day with Liverpool City Council I have been working closely with Public Health colleagues in Liverpool, and indeed the City Region, for a number of weeks to co-ordinate a joined up approach to tackling Covid-19.
“Now more than ever it’s critical that we work shoulder-to-shoulder with our health partners, the academic sector, and many other stakeholders across Merseyside, to pool knowledge, skills and resources.
“I know this is an extremely testing time but I have been really impressed with how Liverpool has led the charge bringing partners to the table to work together, and the efforts that have been made to provide accurate, trustworthy and regular coronavirus messages for our residents.
“We all have a role to play in fighting this pandemic and I am looking forward to being part of these efforts - despite the fact that most of us are doing so from the confines of our home.”
Photo: New Director of Public Health Matthew Ashton