Norfolk public health director Louise Smith to leave role

Dr Louise Smith, who became a familiar figure during the pandemic as she spearheaded calls for people to social distance, wash their hands and wear masks, is leaving to join the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Tom McCabe, head of paid service at County Hall said: "Louise has been Norfolk County Council’s director of public health since 2015 and has steered us through many challenges – including the Covid pandemic emergency response, from 2020 to 2022.

"We all thank Louise for her service and wish her all the best for the future."

After seven years at County Hall, Dr Smith's new job is with the UKHSA, which is responsible for protecting people from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats.

Her specific role will cover professional standards and clinical quality.

Dr Smith became the county's director of public health in September 2015, after a two-year spell as deputy director of public health at Hertfordshire County Council.

Emma Corlett, deputy leader of the opposition Labour group at County Hall, said: "Dr Louise Smith has been an exceptional director of public health.

"Her ability to present complex information and data in an accessible way has been invaluable to councillors.

"The key to tackling inequality is through public health measures. It's a shame her expertise has not been better used in political decision-making."

Tom McCabe, head of paid service at Norfolk County Council (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Mr McCabe said Dr Smith will leave the council in early March and an announcement over how the director of public health post will be covered will be made "in due course".

Her departure comes at a time when Simon George, executive director of finance and commercial services, who has been in that post since 2015, is also leaving the council.

Helen Edwards, director of governance, has also left her role at County Hall.