Dr Andrew Goodall has been appointed as the Welsh Government’s new Director General for Health and Social Services and Chief Executive of NHS Wales, the Permanent Secretary, Sir Derek Jones announced today.
Dr Goodall was appointed to the role following a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Welsh Government and led by the Permanent Secretary.
Dr Goodall has worked for the NHS for 23 years. During this time, he has worked in a number of planning and operational positions across South Wales. He has been an NHS Chief Executive for 9 years, taking up the role in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in June 2009. As well as local responsibilities, he has led a number of national programmes and initiatives, including regional service changes, effective services for vulnerable people, quality initiatives for the 1000 Lives programme and unscheduled care. Most recently he has supported a Ministerial Review in respect of complaints handling, which is due to report shortly.
In his new role, Dr Goodall will head the Welsh Government’s Department for Health and Social Services, and will be responsible and accountable to the Minister for Health and Social Services and Deputy Minister for Social Services for all health, public health and social care policy in Wales. In addition, he will also serve as Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
Dr Andrew Goodall said:
“Having lived and been brought up in Wales, I feel very privileged to have been offered this national post. I have been proud to work for NHS Wales in my career to date and to have been able to lead and support work both for the NHS and across public services.
“I of course understand the pressures and expectations that the NHS faces, but also know that we have the responsibility and opportunity to make the necessary changes, including how we balance delivering our services with focusing on improving the long-term health of the Welsh population. I look forward to working with the Health Boards and Trusts to deliver this important agenda for patients and to lead improvements with the committed staff who work for the NHS and social services.”
Health Minister Professor Mark Drakeford said:
“I am pleased to welcome Dr Goodall to the role of Director General, Health and Social Services and NHS Wales Chief Executive.
“Andrew has a wealth of experience at all levels across NHS Wales. He has shown that he can lead successful organisations, delivering improvements in performance and care. This experience will be essential in sustaining improvements across NHS Wales. I am happy that Andrew will be able to join us soon and arrangements are being put in place at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. I would like to thank Simon Dean for his support in managing the NHS as interim chief executive and I am sure that Andrew will value his support and experience when he takes over.”
Welsh Government Permanent Secretary Sir Derek Jones said:
“When David Sissling stepped down in March, I said that ensuring that the Health Minister and Deputy Minister for Social Services have the right senior support in place to deliver their long-term improvement programme for health and social care in Wales would be one of my biggest priorities.
“I am delighted that we have been able to secure someone with such extensive understanding and experience of the health service in Wales and the challenges we’re facing and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
Dr Goodall will take up the post in the Welsh Government in June. Arrangement to appoint an interim Chief Executive at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are being put in place.
