Warrington’s new Director of Public Health has no concerns over starting new role during pandemic

WARRINGTON’S new Director of Public Health Thara Raj says she has no concerns about starting her new role amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

After joining the authority last month Thara brings her experience and knowledge at a crucial time in Warrington’s recovery from coronavirus.

Commenting on her appointment Thara says she wished she could have started sooner!
“I got the job before lockdown and not being able to move here was frustrating. My job is to help keep Warrington working, socialising and growing.
“This isn’t the first time I have been in the thick of an emergency. I worked closely with Tracy, the Director of Public Health in Wiltshire, who was the star of the TV show about the Salisbury Novichok Poisonings. It was as dramatic being there and my role was to give Tracy and the team advice and hands on support.
“I am hands on. One of the first things I did was find a place to live in Warrington. I have a daughter who is going to school in Warrington. I have been getting to know people and the different areas by walking around, cycling and exploring on my 500cc Royal Enfield motorbike. If you see me, please say hello.

Thara added: “Warrington is a lovely place and the vision of the people who live and work here is exciting. It’s a town that clearly loves its sport. Supporting sports and leisure activities at the grassroots is important to me and I am looking forward to finding a five-a-side football team to play with.
“I’ve worked locally and nationally across the country including at NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). My most recent role before coming to Warrington was with Bristol City Council where I led on community safety as well as health protection. I worked closely with the Police and other crime reduction agencies to keep Bristol safe. I’m also passionate which is what got me a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship and I won the prize for how I shared learning.
“I worked in Newham during the London 2012 Olympics. By day I improved health outcomes particularly around sexual health and by night I rehearsed for the Opening Ceremony as a Pandemonium drummer.
Commenting on her first impressions of Warrington she added: “It’s lovely living in Warrington where people smile at you and talk to you. I’ve felt very welcomed as somebody new to the area, and I’m excited about working for people in Warrington to achieve the outcomes we want, to keep the town thriving.”