A DOCTOR has been been royally appointed to be this year's High Sheriff of Dorset.

Michael Dooley has been appointed by Her Majesty The Queen to become the new High Sheriff of Dorset - taking over the role from George Streitfeild.

Dr Dooley is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who worked at Dorset County Hospital for over 25 years. He is now medical director of The Poundbury Clinic, Dorchester, an integrated clinic that aims to create harmony in women’s health, wellbeing and infertility care.

The decision to appoint Dr Dooley was taken at a private meeting of the Privy Council, held at Windsor Castle on 10 March.

His declaration took place at Damers School Poundbury yesterday under strict Covid guidelines.

He is a recognised expert on exercise in women’s health and has attended two Olympic Games as team doctor and was senior gynaecologist for London 2012 Olympics.

The Office of the High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment for a single year. Their duties include attendance at royal visits in the County and support for Her Majesty's High Court Judges when on Circuit.

They give active support and encouragement to the police and to the emergency services, to the probation and prison services and to other agencies involved with crime prevention, particularly among young people.

Dr Dooley was born and educated in Wimbledon but moved and settled in Dorset in 1989. He said he looks forward to giving something back to a county that he now counts as home.

As High Sheriff he aims “to awaken the possibility in other people and create equality, justice and harmony for all, through education in a sustainable environment."

He said: "I aim to seek out all those organisations and individuals within Dorset that encourage both the prevention and help stop re-offending of crime. I also look forward to taking an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations within the wonderful county of Dorset.

"The pandemic has demonstrated enormous inequalities in Dorset, and I hope by encouraging a vibrant community spirit, some of the solution will be found. My aim is that through my active role in supporting, encouraging and listening I hope the eyes of Dorset will begin to shine a little brighter."

Dr Dooley has announced that his Under Sheriff is Mrs Katherine Jones, Solicitor from Humphries Kirk and his Chaplain is Reverend Jonathan de Kretser.

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