Deputy Medical Officer of Health: Appointment to the post

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A decision made on 4 June 2019

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2019-0026
Decision Summary Title :	Appointment to the post of Deputy Medical Officer of Health		Date of Decision Summary:	28 May 2019
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director – Policy and Ministerial Support		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report:	Oral		Person Giving Report:	Medical Officer of Health
Written Report Title :	n/a		Date of Written Report:	n/a
Written Report Author:	n/a		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	n/a
Subject: Appointment of Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Decision: The Minister for Health and Social Services appointed Professor John McInerney, Group Medical Director, Health and Community Services, as Deputy Medical Officer of Health with immediate effect.
Reason(s) for Decision: This appointment formalises the existing situation whereby previous Medical Directors have acted up should the need arise. In most cases, in the absence of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), decisions can await her return. However, where this is not appropriate, it is advantageous to have a senior colleague officially designated as Deputy MOH should urgent medical public health advice be needed or if, for example, there was a ‘Gold Command’ emergency/major incident situation. People in such roles are very experienced doctors, well placed to provide advice in the MOH’s absence. Earlier this year, Professor McInerney was appointed by the MOH as a medical referee under the Cremation (Jersey) Regulations 1961, giving him the power to grant or refuse an application for cremation in the MOH’s absence. As Group Medical Director, Professor McInerney leads medical staff across the Island within the Health and Community Services portfolio.
Resource Implications: There are no financial or manpower implications (ie no additional cost) as Professor McInerney is undertaking this role on an ‘as required basis’ as part of his current duties. It is not intended to involve a regular time commitment and is primarily intended to bring external recognition and clarity to a role that would cover the MOH’s absence if required.
Action required: Professor McInerney to be confirmed in his appointment.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):