Welsh Government | New Chief Medical Officer starts work

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New Chief Medical Officer starts work

New Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director for NHS Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey OBE starts work this week, following the retirement of Dr Tony Jewell in August. Dr Hussey was born and brought up in the Conwy Valley, living there until she went to university.

Monday 03 September 2012

New Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director for NHS Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey OBE

Dr Hussey has worked as a Regional Director of Public Health and Senior Medical Director at NHS North West, and led the Department of Health in the North West region. Most recently, she has been on secondment to the Public Health England Transition Team, leading the transition of the public health function from the NHS to local Government.

Dr Hussey said:

“I’m delighted to start work in Wales. I’m looking forward to contributing to the work of the Welsh Government, addressing the challenges of improving the health and well being of the population and supporting the provision of high-quality healthcare.

“I’m looking forward to making a difference in a role which ranges from tackling the causes of illness, to caring for people.

“Building on Dr Jewell’s extensive work, I’ll be working to put prevention at the heart of healthcare, and to promote improved quality of care across Wales.

“It’s a broad role, reflecting the breadth of solutions needed to address the health and well being challenges we face in Wales. Everyone has a part to play so building relationships and integrated approaches will be critical to success.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve the people of Wales in this role and I am committed to doing all I can to improve health and well being in the 21st century.”

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“I’m pleased to welcome Dr Hussey to Wales. She has extensive experience at a senior level, and is well placed to lead the NHS during the period of change ahead. It is an exciting time to be working in health in Wales, and I know she will build on Dr Jewell’s work to help us create the conditions for healthier lifestyles and improved healthcare for all.”