Two top Isle of Man public health vacancies filled

Matt Tyrer previously held the role of director of public health in Cheshire

The Isle of Man government has announced the appointment of two public health experts recruited from the UK.

Matt Tyrer has taken on the post of director of public health, leaving an equivalent position at Cheshire East Council.

He replaces Hugo van Woerden, who has been interim director since the resignation of Henrietta Ewart in May 2022.

In November, Ross Keat will also become a consultant for the island's public health directorate, in addition to deputising for Dr Tyrer when needed.

Dr Keat currently works for Knowsley Council on Merseyside and is also a fellow in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

He acts as the council’s lead for health protection, overseeing vaccinations, screening, tobacco cessation and oral and sexual health.

'Passion'

In a statement, the government described the island's new director of public health as a "trained doctor with more than a decade of public health experience".

He led the team in Cheshire through the Covid pandemic, chaired Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Collaborative, and is an honorary lecturer in public health at Keele University.

Dr Tyrer said: “I want to bring my passion for improving health and wellbeing to this spectacular and unique island community.

“I firmly believe that we can do things now that will make things better for ourselves, our children and generations to come and I look forward to working to create a healthy and happy future for the Isle of Man."