Deputy chief medical officer of England unveiled as new medical director of Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust

Dr David Walker, deputy chief medical officer for England, supports the chief medical officer in her role as independent adviser to government on medical matters.

He has been a medical consultant since 1996 and is a member of the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Public Health.

He has excellent knowledge and experience of the UK health system from working at a senior level across different regions of the country.

He also brings with him a unique insight into healthcare from other parts of the world after working on four different continents.

He has also been an executive director in the NHS for 12 years, eight as a medical director.

Dr Walker holds a number of academic appointments and was a visiting scientist at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

He has published widely in the fields of health protection and disease surveillance methodology. He is also the chair of the UK National Screening Committee.

The appointment of Dr Walker follows the retirement of George Nasmyth, the current medical director.

Dr Walker is expected to take up his post by the end of the year.

Dr Walker said: “I am really pleased to be joining the trust at this time. In this role I will be able to affect what happens on the front line of our hospitals.

“I think the trust is going in the right direction and share its vision to ensure its hospitals are great places to be cared for; and great places to work.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and working with them to improve standards of care, not just in the hospital, but right across the Morecambe Bay area.”

Jackie Daniel, chief executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome David to the Trust. This is an exciting and challenging time to be joining; his experience will be invaluable as we move forward with our longer term strategy for transformation – better care together.

“I look forward to working with David as we continue to drive up standards of quality and care for our patients and staff.”

Jackie went on to thank George Nasmyth for his valued contribution in the role over the past two years.

She said: “I would like to once again say thank you to George for stepping up to the plate at a very difficult time for the Trust. George will be working with David to ensure a smooth handover.”