THE chief officer of Health is stepping down for medical reasons – and will only return in an advisory capacity before his contract ends in March 2025.
In a statement sent to Health staff and the media yesterday, it was announced that Chris Bown, who was first appointed to the role in March 2023 on a 12-month fixed-term contract, is due to undergo a medical procedure from 3 October.
Tom Walker, the government’s assistant chief executive and the chief officer for people, policy and digital, will be moving from his Cabinet Office role to take over as interim chief officer for Health.
This comes after discussions with Health Minister Tom Binet and the Health Advisory Board.
The statement did not confirm whether Mr Bown would return to his role but said that he would support Mr Walker with advice “should he be fit enough to resume duties” before his contract ends in March of next year.
The government added that they would “shortly” be advertising for an interim chief officer to take over from Mr Walker.
“Mr Walker will work with the ministerial team on proposed new arrangements to support integrated working across the whole health and care system in Jersey, including primary-, secondary-, community- and third-sector healthcare for Jersey,” the statement said.
Deputy Binet thanked Mr Bown for his work in managing the Health Department, “particularly on the necessary turnaround as we focus on the overall structure of the Island’s health and care system, with the principal intention of creating a more integrated, seamless system”.
“I look forward to working with Tom Walker, a highly experienced chief officer and civil servant, and the wider management team on making these important changes a reality,” he added.
Andrew McLaughlin, interim chief executive officer and head of the public service, wished Mr Bown a “speedy recovery”.
