Celebrating Alison Farrar and her dedication to the NHS

Alison Farrar, Public Health Workforce Lead in the north west region is retiring next month following a distinguished career in the NHS. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Alison and thank her for spending the majority of her working life dedicated to the NHS.

Alison started training as a nurse and midwife in 1981 in Lancaster before settling in Wirral to work and raise a family. Experience as a practice nurse in the NHS and private sector led Alison to a career change in public health to pursue a particular interest in preventing illness and health improvement. 

Alison worked as a health promotion specialist and trainer from 2000, developing a variety of projects including the local smoking cessation service and weight management services and expanding them into primary care through education packages, e-learning and face-to-face training.  

Alison has been a permanent fixture in public health workforce development since 2008, championing the Public Health Network and developing health skills knowledge in clinical and the wider health workforce. She has spent the last decade working with Health Education England across the north west, and leaves a legacy of public health capability across the healthcare system.  

Colleagues in the north west all agree, that Alison will be missed and wanted to share some parting words of thanks.   

“I have worked with Alison for the last three years and her passion and determination to ensure the promotion of public health as being everyone’s business will be her lasting legacy. She is going to be deeply missed but I wish her all the best in her forthcoming retirement, and I can’t wait to hear about all the adventures she gets up to (whilst still promoting public health).” – Andrea Boland  

“I have enjoyed working with Alison for several years, she has been an inspiring champion for public health and a valued and trusted critical friend.” - Clare Baguley 

“I worked with Alison when she was the workforce lead in the Champs Support Team.   Alison brought a wealth of experience, great humour and support to the team in her role. I wish Alison every happiness in her well-earned retirement as do my colleagues from the Champs Support Team” – Helen Forman   

“During my time at HEE I don’t think I have been in a meeting where people don’t know who Alison Farrar is – she is going to be extremely missed across the NW Public Health System (and wider!). She has helped thousands of colleagues across the North West develop their public health knowledge and skills, a remarkable achievement!” - Nick Lowden  

Alison is wasting no time in her retirement with a trip to Tanzania on safari planned for the summer, with more holidays booked throughout the year.  

We wish Alison all the best in her retirement and want to take this time to sincerely acknowledge and give thanks for her years of dedication to the NHS and the north west.