England’s chief medical officer to leave for new post at Cambridge

Professor Dame Sally Davies is to leave her post as England’s chief medical officer, it has been announced.

Dame Sally, who has held the position for nine years, has been appointed by the Queen as Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

It is the first time the job has gone to a woman and comes after Dame Sally was the first female chief medical officer for England.

She will quit as chief medical officer at the end of September and take up her new role in October.

Before her Government roles, Dame Sally worked for 30 years in the NHS as a consultant haematologist.

She was also director general of research and development for the NHS and helped to create Genomics England.

She said: “I want to pay tribute to the outstanding clinicians, scientists and public servants who have supported me in this role – men and women who are working tirelessly to improve the health of the nation.

“It has been an honour to be the first female chief medical officer. I have enjoyed it from the start and I will continue to do so right up until I finish.

“I am delighted to be appointed as Master of Trinity College following a distinguished list of predecessors and as the first woman.

“I can assure everyone that I will continue contributing to the global fight against AMR (antimicrobial resistance) from my new role.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Sally Davies has been a dedicated public servant and a driving force for improving the health of the nation.

“She has led the fight against antibiotic resistance and public health risks, and has pioneered world-leading action across a whole range of areas.

“She’s been not just England’s chief medical officer but led thinking around the world. Sally has been an inspiration to us all and I’m sure has a huge amount still to contribute in the future.”