National Director for Health and Work Appointed

Professor Dame Carol Black, one of the nation's top doctors and President of the Royal College of Physicians, was today named as the Government's first ever National Director for Health and Work. She will spearhead initiatives promoting and improving health in the workplace, ensuring that people with health conditions and disabilities are supported to enter, return to and continue in work.

Her appointment was made by the Prime Minister in a major speech to mark the 'Small Change, Big Difference' public health initiative.

The role is part of the radical Health, Work and Well-being Strategy - launched last year by the Department of Health, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Health and Safety Executive - and illustrates the Government's commitment to working to improve health and tackle inequalities.

Dame Carol said:

"As an experienced clinician, I am delighted to be given this opportunity to bring a new perspective to health through the world of work and its contribution to social well-being. It constitutes a huge challenge to engage the range of public and private organisations necessary to effect change. It also requires working across traditional government departmental boundaries and with healthcare professionals. However, it is this new co-ordinated approach which I believe will realise the potential of substantial health and social dividends for the whole population."

Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"I am delighted to appoint Carol Black to this important role. The appointment of someone of Dame Black's calibre and experience is proof that the Government is fully committed to improving the health and opportunities of people in the workplace.

We know that people in work have better health than those out of work and the Choosing Health White Paper made clear that work matters - it can improve your mental and physical health, reduce health inequalities and improve life chances for people and their families."

DWP minister Lord Hunt said:

"The Health, Work and Well-being Strategy is a crucial part of delivering on the Government's commitment to improving the health and well-being of the working age population, and Dame Black will play a significant role in ensuring delivery of the workplace health commitments outlined both in the Strategy and in Choosing Health.

"This appointment shows we mean business and this strategy is all about actions and not just words. We are committed to building a world which rehabilitates people rather than rejects them when they experience ill health or inactivity.

"This is a key step in taking the strategy forward and making it a reality. We'll take another big step next week when we bring together nearly 200 key stakeholders to make a commitment to helping achieve our vision. This is a strategy that everyone can benefit from, the individual, their families, the employer and ultimately society as a whole."

Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission, said

"I sincerely welcome the appointment of Dame Carol who is an eminent figure in the medical field.

"The Health, Work and Well-being agenda is an exciting joint initiative which helps make a reality of the HSC's Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety. In particular, it affirms the need to promote the opportunity and independence of a healthy and productive workforce. It also recognises the need to embrace high standards of health management, recognising the social and economic benefits which this can bring."

Source: GNN

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