STOCKTON-ON-TEES Borough Council has appointed a new Director of Public Health.
Sarah Bowman-Abouna started in her new role on 1 August 2017 which, as a qualified specialist in public health, sees her responsible for determining the overall vision and objectives for public health in the Borough.
The appointment follows the departure of Peter Kelly as previous Director of Public Health – now Regional Director at Public Health England – and the appointment of Ann Workman as the Council’s new Director of Adults and Health.
Since September 2016, Sarah has been in the role of Interim Director of Public Health for the Council, where she has previously worked as Consultant in Public Health and then Assistant Director of Public Health. She has a background in Public Health and NHS management, working in a variety of organisations including Primary Care Trusts, the North East Strategic Health Authority and Newcastle University.
Sarah said: “I am excited to have the opportunity of working with our partners to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities in Stockton-on-Tees. Though we have many inequalities in health, we also have so many strengths through our communities, the good services we offer and the Council’s forward-thinking and supportive approach to improving health and wellbeing.”
Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Sarah on her new appointment to this highly important role and I have no doubt that she will do a terrific job in achieving positive health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents.
“Sarah brings a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge to the role and I look forward to working with her to do our utmost to support and protect vulnerable adults as well as helping our residents to lead healthy lives and addressing health inequalities, despite the financial pressures we continue to face.”