A Lichfield GP has been appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for New Zealand.
Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard will begin her role in October.
The Westgate Practice GP has held a number of key roles in the UK, including Professor of Medical Education at the University of Birmingham, chair of the UK Academy of Medical Colleges, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and founding chair of the National Academy of Social Prescribing.
She said:
“I am excited and energised by the opportunities that the healthcare system in New Zealand is offering me and I hope to be able to exchange ideas with them about the wider landscape of health and wellbeing, which will complement great work they are already doing.”
Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard
Prof Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, said:
“This is a truly fantastic opportunity for Helen illustrating the highest international regard, in which she is held.
“It goes without saying she will be greatly missed. We all wish her every success and good luck in this new, hugely influential role.”
Prof Neil Hanley
Sir Michael Fabricant, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Lichfield, was also among those to pay tribute to Dame Helen.
“Helen has been a respected GP in Lichfield for many years.
“We will miss her greatly in Lichfield, but I wish her and her husband Paul every joy and success on the other side of the world.”
Sir Michael Fabricant
Seven candidates will stand in the Lichfield constituency at the General Election on 4th July:
- Sir Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
- Richard Howard – Reform UK
- Pete Longman – Independent
- John Madden – Independent
- Heather McNeillis – Green Party
- Paul Ray – Liberal Democrats
- Dave Robertson – Labour
