19 September 2011
The Minister for Health and Social Services has announced the appointment of Dr Susan
Turnbull as Medical Officer of Health (MOH) on a permanent basis.
Deputy Anne Pryke said "Dr Turnbull has worked as the Acting MOH since September
2010 when the previous MOH, who has subsequently retired, experienced a period of ill
health. During this time Dr Turnbull has been extremely effective in post, clearly
demonstrating an abundance of required skill and knowledge. I am therefore delighted to
announce her formal appointment."
Deputy Pryke continued "Over the last few months Dr Turnbull has developed an
important partnership with colleagues in Guernsey, enabling us to establish patterns of
joint working which allow for the sharing of knowledge and resources. This work, coupled
with closer ties to the States' own Environment Department will allow her,
as MOH, to establish a smaller yet highly effective public health team."
The States Employment Board and the Appointments Commission both support the
appointment of Dr Turnbull.
Dr Turnbull came to Jersey as Deputy Medical Officer of Health in 2006. She qualified as
a doctor in 1981 and worked as both a GP and hospital doctor. During the 1990s Dr
Turnbull was the Department of Health’s medical lead on blood borne viruses.
Immediately before moving to Jersey, she was Director of Public Health for
Bournemouth.
She has 2 children. Her son is a junior doctor currently training to be a
consultant in ophthalmology and her daughter attends Jersey College for Girls.
Dr Turnbull said "It is with great pride that I formally take up the post of Jersey’s Medical
Officer of Health. I look forward to working hard to help protect and improve the health of
fellow Islanders. My family and I love life in Jersey and, in the 5 years we have been
here, could not have been made more welcome. There could not be any better place to
practise public health medicine."
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