Longer lives, good health for all and the fight against a pandemic - Prof Kate Ardern's proud legacy for Wigan's public health

Greater Manchester's lead public health director has announced her retirement after more than a decade of service, including through the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Kate Ardern has been the Director of Public Health for Wigan for 14 years, while also holding the major regional position.

Professor Ardern led the response to Covid-19 in Wigan, while also becoming a figurehead as a public health spokesperson and expert in the region. She has also been a vocal advocate of tackling health inequalities which have long persisted in the North.

Announcing the news on Twitter this week, Professor Ardern said: "On some personal news, as I turned 60 years young a few months ago, my long-planned retirement after 14 very happy and successful years as Director of Public Health for Wigan takes place July 1. I’ve been very honoured to work with such wonderful colleagues and citizens."

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Professor Ardern added that she will be moving to a portfolio career, focusing on progressive public health policy. She continued: "I will be moving to a portfolio career working two to three days per week on progressive public health policy areas I’ve espoused and championed during my Director of Public Health career utilising my expertise, experience and track record of successful delivery."

Professor Ardern attended Manchester High School and read Medicine at Manchester University, before being awarded the RCGP Professor Patrick Byrne Prize for General Practice. She has an MSc in Epidemiology and Health and was awarded Fellowship of the Faculty of Public Health 2006 as well as being an honorary Professorship at Salford University.

Along with her