JERSEY’S medical director is stepping down from his position.
The announcement that Patrick Armstrong would be leaving his management role was made at yesterday morning’s meeting of the Health Advisory Board.
Health chief officer Chris Bown, who this week announced he would be leaving due to medical reasons, told members of the board that Mr Armstrong was stepping down in January to focus on orthopaedic surgery. He thanked Mr Armstrong on behalf of the board.
In an email sent to Health staff, Mr Bown praised Mr Armstrong’s “dedication and commitment to patient safety” and said he had addressed “often difficult and controversial issues” during his tenure.
Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Mr Armstrong was appointed as the Island’s medical director in 2021 after serving in the role in an interim capacity.
He was made an MBE for his services to the community during the pandemic.
The announcement of Mr Armstrong’s departure comes after it emerged that Mr Bown will leave his role as Health chief officer on 3 October to undergo a medical procedure.
Mr Bown took up a 12-month contract as the department’s most senior leader in April 2024.
Tom Walker, the government’s assistant chief executive and the current chief officer for People, Policy and Digital, will take over as interim chief officer for Health.
Mr Bown will support Mr Walker “with strategic advice should he be fit enough to resume duties before his contract end date of March 2025”, according to a statement sent to Health and Community Services staff and shared with the media.
The government will “shortly” be advertising for an interim chief officer to take over from Mr Walker.
