Greater Manchester's lead public health director has announced her retirement after more than a decade of service, including through the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Kate Ardern has been the Director of Public Health for Wigan for 14 years, while also holding the major regional position.
Professor Ardern led the response to Covid-19 in Wigan, while also becoming a figurehead as a public health spokesperson and expert in the region. She has also been a vocal advocate of tackling health inequalities which have long persisted in the North.
Announcing the news on Twitter this week, Professor Ardern said: "On some personal news, as I turned 60 years young a few months ago, my long-planned retirement after 14 very happy and successful years as Director of Public Health for Wigan takes place July 1. I’ve been very honoured to work with such wonderful colleagues and citizens."
