Dr Mat Dorrian MBE will be Guernsey’s new Medical Director.
Awarded his MBE in 2020 in recognition of his role in the island’s response to the Covid pandemic, Dr Dorrian will start work in his new role in December, following the retirement of Dr Peter Rabey.
Dr Dorrian is currently a GP at Queen’s Road Medical Practice and works at the hospital Emergency Department. He also used to be the island’s representative for the British Medical Association.
“I am honoured to have been appointed Medical Director and look forward to continuing on from Dr Rabey’s excellent stewardship,” said Dr Dorrian.
“I will work with colleagues across Health & Social Care, the Medical Specialist Group, primary care and our wider healthcare partners to continue improving services for islanders.
“Throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the commitment, expertise and compassion that staff bring to caring for our community every day. It is a privilege to take on this role and support them in delivering the highest possible standards of care. I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of healthcare in Guernsey for the benefit of all.”
As Medical Director, Dr Dorrian will be responsible for “the development and delivery of effective, evidence-based, patient centred care” while also being expected to “encourage a culture of continuous improvement and mutual support”.
He will effectively be the island’s ‘senior doctor’ and if the States agree, he’ll be given the statutory position of Responsible Officer too.
That will mean he’ll also be responsible for “the oversight and assurance of local clinical governance processes, assessing doctors’ fitness to practise and making formal recommendations regarding doctors’ revalidation”.
Deputy George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said Dr Dorrian was the ideal candidate.
“Dr Dorrian is highly respected by colleagues across our health system and has made a significant contribution to healthcare in Guernsey over many years.
“He combines clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to collaboration and service improvement, and I am delighted that he has agreed to take on this important leadership role.
“His appointment comes at a crucial time for healthcare, and I know he will provide strong clinical leadership to meet the needs of islanders now and in the future. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Rabey for his exemplary service to the island.”
Dr Rabey announced his decision to retire in March, just weeks after the States approved his re-appointment as Responsible Officer for another five years.
In the months that have followed politicians and patients have raised concerns about Dr Rabey’s dual role as both the Responsible Officer, and an anaesthetist, meaning he has worked closely with other consultants who he has oversight of.
