Public Health Spotlight Episode 15 – East Sussex County Council

Leading Public Health in East Sussex: Challenges and Opportunities with Darrell Gale

In this episode, Maisie Hockings, engages in a compelling conversation with Darrell Gale, the Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council. Darrell delves into his diverse career path from architecture to public health, the profound challenges and triumphs of his current role, and the critical public health issues facing East Sussex today, including the impact of the climate crisis.

Please read on for a preview of this engaging episode and what you can expect to learn.

Meet Darrell Gale: From Architecture to Public Health  

Darrell Gales journey to public health took an unconventional path. Originally trained as an architect, he transitioned into public health through voluntary work in HIV prevention. This experience led to paid positions, gradually professionalising his community-based work through health promotion certificates and eventually pursuing a master’s in public health. His progression demonstrates how diverse backgrounds can lead to impactful public health careers.

Leading Public Health in East Sussex

As Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council, Darrell emphasises the importance of understanding local communities and their unique challenges. Despite being in the traditionally wealthy South East, East Sussex faces health outcomes similar to more deprived areas like Blackpool and Hartlepool. Historical geographical isolation has contributed to significant health inequalities and life expectancy gaps, making his role particularly challenging.

Navigating the Covid-19 Crisis

The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for East Sussex, particularly as one of the first areas in the UK to confirm cases. Darrell leadership approach focused on maintaining public trust while managing uncertainty. His team’s success came from clear communication, avoiding scare tactics, and maintaining transparency about the evolving situation. The community’s strong response, including voluntary sector and parish involvement, proved crucial in managing the crisis.

Climate Change: A Growing Challenge

East Sussex faces numerous climate-related challenges, from flooding and coastal erosion to extreme heat events. Darrell highlights the increasing frequency of severe weather events and their impact on public health, including excess deaths during heatwaves. He also anticipates future challenges such as vector-borne diseases, emphasising the need for preparedness and public education.

Future Vision and Priorities

After six years in the role, Darrell remains committed to addressing key challenges in East Sussex, including:

• Tackling suicide prevention at Beachy Head
• Addressing health inequalities within the South East context
• Managing an aging population while attracting younger residents
• Rejuvenating the county’s economy and opportunities
• Strengthening partnerships with local authorities and healthcare providers

Career Pathways in Public Health Leadership

Darrell outlines various career progression opportunities for Public Health Directors, including:

• Moving between different types of localities (rural/urban)
• Regional director positions within OHID
• NHS population healthcare roles
• Local government executive positions
• Civil service roles

The interview concludes with Darrell advice for aspiring public health professionals, emphasising the importance of passion for social justice and health equity as fundamental to success in the field.

Join us for this engaging episode of Public Health Spotlight to gain deeper insights from Darrell Gale’s experiences and reflections. Click the link below to listen or find us on your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals making a difference in their communities.

Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities.