The Chief Executive of North Wales’ health board, Jo Whitehead, has brought forward her retirement plans due to family circumstances and will leave her post on 23 December 2022.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative and Shadow North Wales Minister Darren Millar MS said:

 “I wish Jo Whitehead all the best for a long and happy retirement and thank her for her service to North Wales, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic. 

 “The next Chief Executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will be its seventh in 13 years. This revolving door and constant change at the top is unhelpful and unhealthy.

"The NHS in North Wales desperately needs strong long-term leadership to overcome the ongoing challenges it faces and turn failing services around. 

He added:

"Betsi needs fixing and the next Chief Executive must have the ability to deliver change and make the tough decisions that are required without being hampered by political interference from Ministers in Cardiff Bay."