Joint director for councils' public health teams

Alice Wiseman will cover both local authorities on an initial 12-month basis

Public health teams at two Tyneside councils will be served by the same director.

Alice Wiseman, who is currently in charge of public health at Gateshead Council, will cover the statutory role for Newcastle City Council too from 1 April.

Ms Wiseman replaces Tony Hill, who was serving as interim director of public health at the Newcastle authority.

She will take up the role on an initial year-long basis, with an independent review during the year taking place to discuss the future of the job.

The 12-month agreement will give the local authorities time to "assess the suitability of making it a permanent arrangement" going forward, a spokesman said.

'Joint approach'

The councils hope having the same director of public health will give "wider benefits" to residents with the authorities working together.

Ms Wiseman said: "The two councils already work closely together and the new arrangement will help us to build on this, to make a bigger positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and residents in Newcastle, whilst remaining committed to my role in Gateshead."

Ms Wiseman will work across both Newcastle and Gateshead authorities as part of her new role

The local authority areas will continue to serve their respective patches separately upon Ms Wiseman's appointment, but both will report to her.

The deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, councillor Karen Kilgour, said Ms Wiseman had "significant expertise on the factors affecting people’s health and well-being, with an in-depth understanding of the local context that our communities live in".

She added: "This joint approach will further improve the strength of partnership we have with colleagues in Gateshead."

The cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Gateshead Council, councillor Bernadette Oliphant, said: "We have seen the benefits of partnership working during the pandemic, through our regional tobacco control programme and many other projects that support better health and well-being across Gateshead."