Portsmouth and Southampton to share public health director

Portsmouth City Council’s employment committee has approved the recommendation to engage with Southampton on appointing the position.

The role is statutory providing leadership, expertise and advice on a range of issues from disease outbreak to concerns on health services.

Cllr Luke Stubbs, cabinet member for public health at the council, said: ‘I’m pleased that the employment committee has agreed to proceed with the recommendation.

‘This proposal was made as part of our on-going efforts to find more efficient ways of working.

‘Having a joint director will facilitate better use of public health resources in the two cities, which have many similarities in terms of their health profiles and needs of their residents.’