Woolworths has created a chief medical officer position to shape the retailer’s response to the pandemic, appointing occupational medicine physician Dr Rob McCartney to the role.

Dr McCartney will have direct input to the Woolworths board, and will engage with state and federal health authorities as well as educate staff on COVID-19 safe practices.

“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,” said Brian Long, Woolworths Group safety, health and wellbeing general manager.

“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.”