Jane Ellison confirmed as children's health minister
Neil Puffett
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Jane Ellison will take on additional responsibilities for children's health and health visiting following her reappointment as minister for public health, the Department of Health has confirmed.
Ellison, who has been a junior minister for public health since October 2013, takes over the remits from Dan Poulter, who has left the department following the post-election reshuffle.
Alongside responsibility for children’s health and health visiting, Ellison will also be in charge of school nursing, sexual health and health improvement in relation to tobacco, alcohol, obesity, physical activity and drugs.
Ellison said: “We have already made great strides in improving the health of the nation so people can live longer, healthier lives.
“But more needs to be done and I am privileged to have been asked to continue this essential work.”
Poulter has been replaced by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, who has been made junior minister for care quality.
Poulter had previously been minister in charge of nursing and midwifery, and played a central role in the Health Visitor Implementation Plan, which aimed to increase the number of health visitors by 4,200 during the last parliament.
In relation to children and families, Gummer's responsibilities will include maternity care.
Gummer said: “With the help of NHS staff, I am determined to continue the work already started to ensure the NHS is the safest, most caring and highest quality healthcare system in the world.”
