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NHS Wales will have a new chief executive come the autumn, with its current boss set for a new job with the Welsh Government.

Judith Paget has served as NHS Wales chief executive since 2021, having previously led Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

She is now set to become a director general for strategy at the Welsh Government, with Jacqueline Totterdell replacing her before the end of September.

Ms Totterdell is currently the chief executive at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group.

She said: “After a long career in the NHS, having the opportunity to lead health and social care services in Wales is something very special.

“Joined-up services that achieve better outcomes for the citizens and communities we serve is a vision that most of us who work in the public sector aspire to.

“Being able to improve services on a whole-country level is what attracted me to this role and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone to make a real difference for people in Wales.”

Wales’ health secretary, Jeremy Miles congratulated Ms Totterdell, who he said brings “a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector”

Mr Miles praised her “impressive track record at St George’s” and added: “I look forward to working with Jacqueline as we focus on delivery and improvement and help the NHS adapt for the future.

“This includes building on the progress we’re making in Wales on waiting times, and to go further, to deliver the faster access to treatment that people in Wales want.”

The health secretary also thanked the outgoing Ms Paget for “the leadership she has provided to NHS Wales and the Welsh Government’s health, social care and early years department through the pandemic and its aftermath.”

Mr Miles added: “Judith has been at the helm during an extraordinary period for the NHS, and I wish her all the best for her new role.”