Chief Medical Officer visits Haringey

Haringey welcomed Professor Chris Whitty to share with him examples of the council’s innovative work to tackle health inequalities. 

England’s Chief Medical Officer visited the east of the borough on a fact-finding mission as part of preparation for his Health and Cities report. 

The government’s principal medical advisor travelled to Earlsmead Primary in Tottenham to see how a School Street is revolutionising journeys for hundreds of children. 

Next stop was open spaces in Seven Sisters which have been transformed by the council for use by local people. 

The visit also included a tour of the brand-new Welbourne Centre, a health facility in Tottenham Hale which will benefit more than 25,000 residents. 

Finally, Professor Whitty learnt about the housing, health and skills support provided to adults experiencing homelessness by Mulberry Junction in Tottenham.  

Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, said “We were delighted to welcome the Chief Medical Officer to Haringey, and to highlight the important cross-cutting work we’re doing to improve health outcomes and tackle health inequalities in the borough. In line with the Haringey Deal, we work collaboratively with residents and healthcare professionals to co-produce our health initiatives in the borough, and we will continue to do so”.  

Director of Public Health at Haringey Council Will Maimaris, said: “It was great to be able to share the health challenges we face in Haringey with Professor Whitty and also discuss some of the great work we are doing in our community to tackle these health challenges.”  

Haringey was chosen for the visit due to the demographics of the area, and the contrast between high levels of wealth and deprivation in the same borough.  

Read more about our Public Health strategy online: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/public-health-haringey   

 More about the Chief Medical Officer here: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/christopher-whitty