Medical Officer of Health returns to work after sick leave

Thursday 30 April 2020

The Medical Officer of Health has returned to work to help investigate the potential negative health effects of Jersey's response measures to covid-19 following a period of sick leave.

While Dr Susan Turnbull was away, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control and Microbiology Dr Ivan Muscat took the lead.

He will continue to focus on the overall covid-19 strategy and policy guidance, providing advice to government officials, healthcare professionals and the public.

In resuming her role, Dr Turnbull expressed gratitude to Dr Muscat, adding that she had been following the international and national developments in the pandemic while away, and was "looking forward to contributing to the island's response".

Pictured: Consultant in Communicable Disease Control and Microbiology Dr Ivan Muscat has been Acting Medical Officer of Health.

Dr Muscat commented: “I’m very pleased to welcome back Dr Turnbull and am looking forward to working together again. Dr Turnbull’s valuable experience will greatly support our overall COVID response.

"Her focus on the possible negative health effects of response measures, while we maintain our strategy to contain and delay the spread, will be of great value to the Island.”

The Health Minister, Deputy Richard Renouf, welcomed back Dr Turnbull, adding: “I am delighted to welcome back Dr Turnbull whose role enhances the medical expertise and leadership that the Government will draw upon during our response to the pandemic.”