Croydon Council and Croydon Primary Care Trust have created a unique post - the first jointly appointed director of public health for Croydon.
The experienced health professional will report directly to both the council and the trust’s chief executives and work with teams from both organisations to provide a fully integrated approach to public health across the borough.
Croydon Council’s chief executive, Jon Rouse, said: “The new post brings together the main goals of both partners - the council, to improve the borough’s social and economic future, and the PCT to promote health.
“We both have a dual commitment to improve the health of children and to ensure race, disability and gender equality.”
The borough is in the process of developing a 30-year vision for its future, making the most of its position, resources and strong partnership working to build a vibrant future for its growing population.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of Croydon PCT said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to place public health at the very core of our work in Croydon and to build on our strong tradition of partnership working.”
The Department of Health encourages joint appointments and a number are now in place across London.