(CNS): Dr. Nick Ghent has been appointed as Cayman’s new Chief Medical Officer after an open recruitment process by the Ministry of Health, but officials have confirmed that there were no local applicants. His new CMO, who will take over on 3 October, has over 30 years of public health experience, most recently serving as Senior Medical Advisor/Consultant in Public Health for the UK Health Security Agency.
He previously served as Public Health Director at the District Public Health Service and was an executive member of the Health Services Authority within the UK National Health Service responsible for public health, health protection and commissioning of a wide range of health care services, officials said. has said.
Chief Executive Nellie Pouchie described his significant experience as he welcomed him to his new role. “The Ministry of Health is delighted to have accredited a competent person like Dr Ghent to the position of Chief Medical Officer. We look forward to working with him as we continue to focus on charting new strategic directions for our company,” she added.
Ghent’s appointment was announced at a press conference, where Health Minister Sabrina Turner revealed the ministry’s plan to separate Public Health from the Health Services Department and the launch of a business case to investigate the process.
In a press release about his appointment, Dr Ghent said there are many interesting opportunities for the development of the Cayman Islands health service and public health system. I look forward to working with our highly skilled and experienced colleagues at
Lieutenant Governor Franz Manderson said Dr Ghent would be a welcome person for civil service and his background and qualifications made him well suited for the role. and look forward to his contribution to the people,” he said.
Dr. Ghent will succeed Dr. Autalia Newton, interim CMO, who has held the post for the past nine months following the retirement of Dr. John Lee at the end of 2021.
