Jacqueline Totterdell has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of NHS Wales, succeeding Judith Paget, who will take on a new role as Director General for Strategy within the Welsh Government.
Currently serving as Group Chief Executive Officer of St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, Jacqueline brings extensive leadership experience to the role. She is expected to begin her new position as Chief Executive of NHS Wales and Director General for Health, Social Care and Early Years before the end of September.
Commenting on her appointment, Jacqueline 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.”
Judith Paget, who has led NHS Wales through a period of significant transformation, will remain in post until the transition is complete. Her new role will focus on strengthening strategic planning and delivery across the Welsh Government as the health and care system enters a new phase of reform.
Welsh Health Secretary Jeremy Miles also said:
“I would like to thank Judith for her 4 years as Chief Executive of NHS Wales and 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. Judith has been at the helm during an extraordinary period for the NHS, and I wish her all the best for her new role.
“I am very pleased that Jacqueline Totterdell will be joining us, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector and an impressive track record at St George’s.
“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 appointment comes at a pivotal time for NHS Wales, as it continues to implement the government’s long-term health and care strategy, improve patient outcomes, and address workforce and service pressures.
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