Professor Chris Whitty, well-known for his role in the UK's fight against Covid-19, visited an Isle of Wight hospital last week. 

Hosted by Director of Public Health Simon Bryant, he met with senior health leaders during his visit on Friday (September 29).

Professor Whitty's visit also included the Alzheimer Cafe in Cowes and meetings in County Hall, where he was part of discussions about the public health challenges and solutions on the Island.

In the afternoon, he visited St Mary's Hospital in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Simon Bryant, director of public health, Professor Chris Whitty, council leader Cllr Phil Jordan, Dr Michele Legg, Integrated Care Board (ICB) clinical director, Wendy Perera, chief executive of the IW Council and Darren Cattell, place director on the ICBSimon Bryant, director of public health, Professor Chris Whitty, council leader Cllr Phil Jordan, Dr Michele Legg, Integrated Care Board (ICB) clinical director, Wendy Perera, chief executive of the IW Council and Darren Cattell, place director on the ICB (Image: Isle of Wight Council)

Professor Whitty met clinicians and talked through the unique challenges staff face to provide around-the-clock care on the Island.

He also discussed the work the Isle of Wight NHS Trust does to meet the changing healthcare needs of Islanders.

The current Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Whitty is best known for the significant role he played in the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This included appearing – often with then prime minister Boris Johnson and chief scientific advise Patrick Vallance – in televised news conferences.

He would also appear in public information adverts on national TV, explaining the government's social-distancing strategy to reduce the spread of the virus during the pandemic. 

A spokesperson from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: "We were delighted to host England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty on Friday."