Croydon’s new director of public health comes to the borough with a strong track record of improving health outcomes for local people.
Ruth Hutchinson joins Croydon Council from Surrey County Council in June. She will take a lead in supporting residents to look after their health and wellbeing, helping them to live longer, healthier lives.
Ruth qualified as a Public Health Specialist in 2008. She has broad experience of working in both the NHS and local government with roles spanning health improvement, health protection and health intelligence.
The director of public health is a statutory role, and Ruth will work with key organisations to develop behaviour change strategies, and commission accessible services for Croydon’s diverse communities.
Ruth will have a key role in Croydon’s Health and Wellbeing Board, reporting on the progress and the direction of travel to meet the health goals for the borough. Her role also includes sitting on the board of the South West London Integrated Care Partnership, which brings together local authorities, NHS partners, residents, and the voluntary sector to understand what help and support people need.
The post also focuses on making changes to the external factors that can impact on people’s health and daily life such as employment, income, housing conditions, homelessness and the cleanliness of the local environment.
Ruth Hutchinson said: “I am delighted to be joining Croydon as the new Director of Public Health. I am looking forward to working with residents, the Council and partners to continue to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Croydon.”
“We are pleased to welcome Ruth Hutchinson to Croydon. Her track record shows how much she cares about supporting local people and tackling the causes and effects of ill health and health inequalities.
“Ruth’s strategic role in the borough is central to ensuring our residents get the best health and wellbeing support that meets their needs.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Croydon’s five-year Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024 to 2029 – a shared vision to achieve better health outcomes for everyone in the borough, can be read here.
