Public health director made permanent
HALTON’S interim director of public health has been appointed to the role permanently after her initial tenure began last autumn.
Dr Ifeoma Onyia takes over from Eileen O’Meera following her retirement.
Her role involves leading on improving and protecting health and advising councillors for Halton Borough Council.
Public health was transferred to local government responsibility in 2013.
Dr Onyia has worked for Halton Council since that year as a consultant, having previously been employed by the NHS in Wirral and Stoke-onTrent.
A fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, Dr Onyia studied medicine in Nigeria and trained in general practice across Yorkshire and Cheshire and Merseyside, before completing her public health training, also in Cheshire and Merseyside.
In addition to her role as director of public health, Dr Onyia holds a National Institute of Health and Care Research-funded role to build public health research capacity in local authorities.
A mother of twins, Ifeoma is a member of a running group and enjoys cooking, reading, flash fiction writing and needlework.
The post of director of public health is a statutory role meaning it has professional accountability to the Secretary of State for Health through the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, as well as to the council’s chief executive Stephen Young.
Her remit will also encompass other council services connected to wellbeing and public safety.
Dr Onyia said: “I am delighted to take up this important role on a permanent basis.
“I believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, should have the opportunity to experience their best and healthiest lives.
“Public health can make a really important contribution to achieving this, through the work we do around prevention, tackling health inequalities and also in supporting work to address those wider factors that influence the opportunities people have to live a full and healthy life.
“I’m really passionate about the job and the work that my team do every day to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Halton.
“I look forward to working with elected members, partners and colleagues to make progress against our priorities and continue to improve health outcomes for local people”
Cllr Marie Wright (health and wellbeing) said: “We are delighted Ifeoma will now take up the permanent position as Halton’s director of public health.
“Ifeoma brings a great mix of skills, knowledge and experience, plus an abundance of energy and enthusiasm, all of which will be a tremendous asset to Halton as we work to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population.
“I’m confident that with Ifeoma’s appointment, the public health of Halton continues to be in safe hands.”