A new public health chief has been appointed for Brighton and Hove.
Alistair Hill, 48, has been promoted to director of public health, having served as the acting director since November.
He said: “I am delighted to take on this exciting role. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, partner organisations and residents across the city to improve health and reduce health inequalities.”
His responsibilities include protecting and improving public health and running the public health team and a range of services throughout the area.
Initiatives locally have included measures to help people cut their sugar intake, stop smoking and tackle health inequalities.
His appointment was announced at the Brighton and Hove Health and Wellbeing Board meeting at Hove Town Hall this afternoon (Tuesday 12 June) by the board’s new chair, Labour councillor Karen Barford.
He takes over from Tom Scanlon, a local GP. Dr Scanlon retired as director of public health two years ago.
His former deputy Peter Wilkinson served as acting director until standing down last year, with Mr Hill – previously the assistant director of public health – then stepping up. Mr Wilkinson continues to work for Brighton and Hove City Council.
Mr Hill heads the public health team at the council – part of the health and social care directorate. He comes to his post having spent 15 years working for the National Health Service in London.
From there, he joined the old Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust in 2008 as a public health consultant, transferring to the council in 2013.
He is the local educational supervisor for the Public Health Specialty Training Programme and has a masters degree in health economics and public health and is a fellow of the Faculty of Public Health.
