Retail giant Woolworths Group has appointed its own chief medical officer in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Group has welcomed Dr Rob McCartney to the newly created role.
The appointment is a first for an Australian retailer and McCartney will provide the business with expert medical advice to help shape its health and safety policies.
The appointment comes as retailers across the country have had to introduce new policies to operate in a COVID-safe manner.
McCartney will provide direct input to the Board and its relevant sub-committees as well as the Group Executive Committee.
Other responsibilities for the role include engagement with regulatory authorities and state and federal health departments, and the development of ongoing educational materials for team members.
McCartney joins the business after 20 years of experience in occupational medicine and is a valuable addition to the team Woolworths Group safety, health and wellbeing GM Brian Long said.
"At Woolworths the safety of our teams and customers is our highest priority.
"Dr Rob McCartney is a highly credentialed specialist occupational physician.
"We’re delighted to have his experience on the Woolworths team to help build on our existing COVID-safe protocols.
"There is a plethora of medical information and advice to consider in the planning and implementation of a COVID safe workplace.
"This appointment ensures we have an internal expert, with a grounding in medical advice, to help make well informed long-term decisions on the safety and wellbeing of our teams and customers.
"Dr McCartney’s appointment will ensure we keep at the forefront of occupational health, hygiene and public health policy as it relates to COVID-19, while upholding the highest possible health and hygiene standards across our supermarkets, distribution centres, and support offices," he said.
Speaking on his new position, McCartney said that he plans to 'hit the ground running.'
"I’m very excited to be joining this great Australian company.
"With my experience as a physician working at the interface of health and work, I look forward to assisting Woolworths in maximising the health, wellbeing and safety of its team members and customers.
"Given the scale of current public health challenges, I’ll be looking to hit the ground running.
"Together with the safety and leadership teams, I’ll be focused on implementing best practice COVID-19 risk management across the business as we navigate the pandemic," he said.
Should more retailers have a chief medical officer? Leave your thoughts below.