A Lancashire GP has been offered membership to a prestigious public health organisation.

Dr Andy Knox, a GP in Carnforth and associate medical director for population health across Lancashire and South Cumbria has been offered a membership through distinction to the Faculty of Public Health (FPH).

To receive the membership through distinction, Dr Knox was nominated by FPH fellows, Lucinda McArthur and Dr Andrew Furber OBE.

Dr Knox said: “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be given this prestigious membership.

"I am very grateful to Lucinda and Andrew for the kind nomination and am looking forward to working more closely with the Faculty of Public Health in the future.”

Awarding a membership through distinction is how the FPH recognises those who have made a significant contribution to one or more of the following areas:

  • to the science, literature or practice of public health
  • to raising the profile of public health
  • to the work of FPH itself

Designate medical director for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Dr David Levy, said: “I’d like to congratulate Dr Knox on this fantastic news.

"Andy is known within Lancashire and South Cumbria for being passionate about working with communities to help tackle poor health outcomes.

“Andy has provided senior clinical leadership to establish the Lancashire and South Cumbria Population Health Operating Model, which will enable the Integrated Care Board to address a core strategic aim of improving population health and reducing inequalities.”

Regional director of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (North West) and regional director of public health (NHS NW), Dr Andrew Furber OBE, said: “I’m delighted that the quality and impact of Andy’s work has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation as the Faculty of Public Health.

"He has been brilliant in championing the needs of communities experiencing the worst health and taking practical action to improve matters.”

FPH is a membership organisation for nearly 4,000 public health professionals across the UK and around the world.

The role of the organisation is to improve the health and well-being of local communities and national populations.