Life as a Director of Public Health

Tue, Nov 26th 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

- life as a Director of Public Health - “Lucky” or “Jonah”?

Gabe Docherty - Director Of Public Health for NHS Lanarkshire was the guest speaker this week. His story was entitled Lucky or Jonah. Gabe gave a fascination talk covering lots of the things he encountered in his job.

From February 2017 he was involved in things like contracts to provide fresh fruit and veg to schools, planning to take on locums.

Then he was asked to take on the role of Director of Public Health, a post he expected to last three months, possibly six. 28 days into the job he was faced with a Hepatitis outbreak where he had to draw experts together. It was linked to a bakery in Coatbridge, and product recalls for what became the biggest outbreak in the world. In 2018-2019 he had to deal with a TB outbreak and in 2019-2020 Bluewater caused by corroded copper.

Gabe was Scottish Chair of Public Health through Covid and he gave an insight into the actions and dilemmas of that time. It was a privilege to hear such informed views on policies followed and the effects resulting from them.

The club's formal vote of thanks was proposed by PP Douglas Scott.

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Primary Schools linked to Rotary Club of West Fife:- Blairhall, Cairneyhill, Carnock, Crossford, Camdean, Culross, Inzievar, Holy Name, Limekilns, Milesmark, St Serfs, Saline, Torryburn, Tulliallan. Secondary Schools:- Queen Anne and Woodmill