Chair Lynda Davenport of the Wellington-Dufferin- Guelph Board of Health has announced Dr. Nicola Mercer as the new Acting Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health.

Dr. Mercer begins her duties July 16. Dr. Hazel Lynn, MOH from Grey Bruce Health Unit will provide interim coverage for WDG Public Health from April 30 to July 15.

"Having been an active member of the Guelph area medical community for the past 15 years, I am delighted to accept the position of Acting Medical Officer of Health and CEO at WDG Public Health", Dr. Mercer said.

"I look forward to blending my extensive medical experience, business education, and formal studies in public health in this exciting and challenging new role. I intend to build on the strengths of the current organization and work with all the health care settings in this geographic area to facilitate the mandate of the Health Protection and Promotion Act."

Dr. Mercer is currently an Attending Anaesthesiologist at Guelph General Hospital. She also works as a locum anaesthesiologist at Grand River, St. Mary's, and Cambridge hospitals.

She has been an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada since 2002 and a member of the Examination Committee in Anaesthesia since 2004.