London-based 3 Monkeys Communications has opened a health and wellness practice, which will be led by recently appointed Dr Martin Godfrey.
Reporting to joint head of consumer, Anna Speight, Godfrey launches the practice with a team of four, with an offer that includes ethical medical PR and digital as well as over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer health services.
Previously managing director at Wells Healthcare, Godfrey has developed a career both as a GP and as a health communications specialist.
His experience in the latter has including working for Hill & Knowlton (H&K) and Ogilvy and has covered medical PR, medical education, e-media, advertising and publishing.
During his six-year tenure with H&K, Godfrey was responsible for directing and running UK and global healthcare accounts, across multiple therapy areas.
“I am very much looking forward to building a powerful new offer in healthcare public relations at 3 Monkeys,” Godfrey explained.
“I believe strongly that there is a need for a more patient-centric approach to our business, which matches both the societal and healthcare organisational changes now enveloping the UK and the rest of Europe.
“The combination of 3 Monkeys’ stellar track record in consumer/patient communications and my own depth and breadth in ethical medical communications will, I am certain, create a new benchmark for clients looking for real results in their brand communications across the healthcare board.”
The agency has already established healthcare working relationships with Novartis, The College of Optometrists and National Patient Safety Agency.
Commenting on the new offering, 3 Monkeys managing director, Christine Jewell, said: “As patients increasingly self-diagnose and manage their own healthcare needs we believe the time is right for a hybrid offering the creativity to capture consumers’ imagination combined with an expert understanding of the healthcare regulatory and stakeholder environment”.
Adding: “As one of the most seasoned health communicators in the PR world, Martin is ideally placed to lead this new team.”