Health Board chief exec appointed new Welsh NHS boss

The Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has been named as the new Chief Executive of the Welsh NHS.

Judith Paget, who has led the health board since 2014, will take over from Dr Andrew Goodall – who stepped down to become new Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government.

Ms Paget will start the new job on November 1.

She said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to continue working for NHS Wales in this new role. Having worked all of my career for NHS Wales, it is a privilege and an honour to now be taking over from Dr Andrew Goodall.

“I continue to be impressed and proud of the staff across the NHS and social care and look forward to working with them over the coming months.”

Departing NHS chief executive Dr Goodall wished his successor well and said: “I’m pleased to welcome Judith to her new role leading health and social services at this key moment.

“I have known and worked with Judith for many years including her current leadership of Aneurin Bevan.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight that will help her advise Welsh Government ministers and provide leadership as we continue to navigate the pandemic and reset and recover the system for the future.”

Meanwhile, Wales’ Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, said she Ms Paget will provide “a wealth of experience at a crucial time for health and social services in Wales”.

Mrs Morgan added: “Judith will provide certainty and leadership as we continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

“She is an experienced NHS and public service leader with many years of experience working across Wales and I warmly welcome her appointment to this role.”

Judith will undertake the role for 18 months and there will be a substantive appointment process to take place during that time.”