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« on: January 13, 2022, 10:39:52 AM »
Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam is leaving his role as England's deputy chief medical officer.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it had been "an honour" to work with him, saying he was a "national treasure".
Prof Van-Tam said it had been the "greatest privilege" of his career to have served the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
He will continue to work for the government until the end of March before taking up a new academic role.
The professor said his time in the role had been "the most challenging of my professional career, especially the Covid response," adding: "We all wish Covid had never happened."
He thanked all those he had worked with during the pandemic, including the "countless numbers who work behind the scenes - all of whom have an unrelenting commitment to help and support the British public".
"It has been an honour to work with them all," he said.
He especially praised chief medical officer Prof Sir Chris Whitty, who in turn applauded Prof Van-Tam's "steadfast support, advice, leadership and commitment". The pair were knighted in the most recent New Year Honours list.