Bolton Council has appointed a new interim Director of Public Health to oversee and deliver public health services.

Lynn Donkin, the council’s Assistant Director of Public Health, will take up her new role for an initial six-month period starting on October 10.

Lynn joined Bolton Council in 2019 and has 15 years’ experience in senior roles with the NHS and in local government.

Her specific areas of interest include health data analysis and health protection as well as education and training of public health specialists.

Lynn will continue in her role as Training Programme Director for Speciality Training in Public Health for Greater Manchester.

Bolton’s outgoing Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, announced her departure earlier this year to take up a new role with the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit.

Lynn said: “I am pleased to have been appointed as Bolton’s Interim Director of Public Health.

“Over the last three years, I have seen first-hand the incredible commitment and hard work of council colleagues, our NHS partners and the wider Bolton community.

“Bolton has a clear vision for improving the overall wellbeing of our residents and addressing and I look forward to working with our partners to make this vision a reality.”

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines, said:

“I am delighted that Lynn has been appointed as Director of Public Health for an initial six-month period.

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“As Assistant Director, Lynn has already made a significant contribution to public health here in Bolton, including in our local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am sure Lynn will continue to lead the team’s outstanding work as we strive to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of all Bolton residents.”