The NHS and Croydon Council have appointed the borough’s first Director of Public Health.

Dr Mike Robinson, who is currently Director of Public Health and Medical Director for the London Borough of Hounslow PCT and Head of the London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex School of Public Health, will join Croydon in autumn ahead of changes to the way public health is managed next year.

The changes will see the NHS hand responsibility for public health – issues such as smoking rates, obesity and sexual health – to the council from April.

Dr Robinson will be employed by NHS South West London until April 13 when the council will step in.

He said: “I am delighted to accept the post of Director of Public Health. Croydon has a proud tradition of public health action and I look forward to building on this in partnership with others.”

Designate accountable officer for Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group, which includes 66 GP practices, Paula Swann said: “I’m delighted Mike Robinson will be joining us in Croydon. He brings with him over 10 years’ experience in public health roles and a wealth of skills and knowledge.

“This joint appointment with Croydon Council gives us the opportunity to create a truly borough-wide strategy for developing effective public health programmes that will improve the health of our local population in Croydon.”

Chief Executive of Croydon Council, Jon Rouse said: “We are very pleased with Mike's appointment and look forward to welcoming him to Croydon. We will give him all the support he needs as we plan the transfer of public health services to the council from next April.”