Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles, has today named Dr Christine Connors OAM FAFPHM, as the Northern Territory’s Chief Health Officer.
Dr Connors is an experienced public health physician, general practitioner, researcher and health service executive who for more than 30 years has worked in the Northern Territory. Her field of expertise has been system improvement including integration of health care delivery between hospitals and remote primary health care services, the Chief Minister said.
“Congratulations to Dr Christine Connors on being appointed the Chief Health Officer of the Northern Territory,” said Ms Fyles.
“A recognised health leader who is passionate about leading improvement, I look forward to working with Dr Connors.”
For the past eight years, Dr Connors has been the Executive Director Population and Primary Health Care in Top End Regional Health Service.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Connors led the development of the Remote Outbreak Management Plan. Her team were the key staff who provided community-based pandemic responses in the Top End region including contact tracing testing and vaccination, which required extensive communication, rapid agile training, guideline development and logistical support.
“It is a privilege to step into the role of the Territory’s Chief Health Officer, a position responsible for providing public health leadership to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community,” said Dr Connors.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, across the world we saw an increase in understanding of the importance and impact of public health decision making.
“As we continue to adapt to living with COVID-19 and re-prioritising many other public health matters, including disease prevention, I look forward to supporting all Territorians to achieve the best possible health outcomes.”
Dr Connors begins her tenure this week.
