The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that Dr Thomas Waite will take up the role of interim Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Waite is a consultant epidemiologist, and helped create the Joint Biosecurity Centre as a response to the pandemic, where he has been acting as the Director of Health Analysis.
A new Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Health Improvement – who will support the Office of Health Promotion – will also be appointed in the coming weeks.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Dr Waite has done an excellent job helping create the Joint Biosecurity Centre and has an in-depth understanding on COVID-19 issues. His wealth of experience in epidemiology and emergency preparedness will benefit the government’s ongoing public health response.”
Dr Waite has previously worked in various roles related to infectious disease at Public Health England and recently held the post of Director of the UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme. During his time with the programme, he represented the UK at World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters in Geneva.
Dr Thomas Waite said: “I am delighted to join the Chief Medical Officer’s team. I look forward to supporting the national, regional and local response to COVID-19. This has been an unprecedented period and I am hugely honoured to work with colleagues across the country to improve the health of the nation and keep people safe as we emerge from the pandemic.”
