Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Unveils New Chief Executive

Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board have today unveiled their new Chief Executive.

The Chair of BCUHB Dr Peter Higson has announced the appointment of Gary Doherty as Chief Executive of the Health Board. He replaces Trevor Purt, who stepped down in October after the health board was put into special measures.

Mr Doherty has worked in the NHS for over 20 years and is currently the Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Discussions are currently underway to agree a start date for Gary to take up his new role.

Speaking today, Dr Higson said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Gary Doherty. I am confident that he will build on the improvements that Simon Dean has achieved in response to the Board being placed into Special Measures and will ensure that we regain the trust and confidence of our patients, staff and the public.

“Gary is hugely capable and experienced and has led an extensive programme of improvement at Blackpool with success. He possesses the skills and qualities that we were seeking and that are so important in a Chief Executive, and on behalf of the Board, I warmly welcome him to North Wales.”

Mr Doherty added: “I am very proud to have got the job following a tough process. While we face many challenges I know that we have many strengths to build on. It will be a privilege to have this opportunity to lead our organisation to better meet the needs of patients in North Wales.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board to accelerate some of the improvements already in progress under Special Measures. My key focus will be listening to the voices of patients, staff, the public and partners to keep making rapid improvements while also building a long term vision for the future. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to meeting you soon.”

Responding to the announcement that BCUHB had appointed a new CEO, long-term health campaigner and Plaid Cymru – The Party Of Wales’ candidate for Clwyd South, Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “I wish Mr Doherty well in his new role as CEO for this Health Board. I’m sure that running such a behemoth as BCUHB is not an easy task, but previous incumbents have made it all the harder by refusing to listen to the views of residents and health professionals in north Wales.

“This failure to listen has put undue pressure on the Board and its fantastic staff who should be praised for their continued professionalism under such trying circumstances. This appointment will hopefully steady the ship, and bring some confidence back.

“But it should not detract from the wider issue, which is that the Health Board can only work within budgets and policies set by the floundering Welsh Government. As welcomed as Mr Doherty’s appointment is, if we want to see real improvement in our Health Care provision then this will only be achieved by changing the Government and bringing in a new team dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in north Wales.”