Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed today’s news that a new Chief Executive for troubled Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been appointed and looks forward to working with her to “secure the improvements necessary to bring the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board out of special measures and secure the improvements that patients deserve”.

Jo Whitehead, currently the Chief Executive of Mackay Hospital and Health Service in Queensland, Australia, will take up the role in January 2021.

After more than 30 years of experience working in healthcare in both the UK and Australia, she is now returning to her roots in North Wales.

Darren said:

"I welcome Jo Whitehead back to North Wales and trust that her experience overseas and local connection will give her the leadership skills and drive to get to address the challenges faced by the NHS in the region. 

"Jo will be taking on the toughest job in the Welsh public sector so I wish her every success in her new role and I look forward to working with her to secure the improvements necessary to bring the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board out of special measures and secure the improvements that patients deserve."

He added:

"I also want to take the opportunity to thanks Simon Dean for stepping into the breach on recent months. 

"He has faced extraordinary circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic and I am grateful for his efforts."