Emrys Elias takes over as health board chair

PROFESSOR Marcus Longley is stepping down as chairman of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board at the end of the month after four years in the post.

However, Health Minister Eluned Morgan confirmed it had not been possible to appoint a successor following a recent recruitment campaign, meaning that Emrys Elias is taking up the position for 18 months from October 1.

Mr Elias is currently the vicechairman of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and was described by Baroness Morgan as having “considerable experience” in leadership within the NHS.

She said: “After training as a mental health nurse, he has held several senior clinical and managerial roles at an operational, strategic and board level up until his retirement in 2016 when he was the director of the NHS Wales Delivery Unit.

“Mr Elias has a particular interest in multi-agency working and the outcomes that can be achieved and has undertaken several projects in this area of work.

“He also advised government and jointly led the national review of the Mental Health Care Programme Approach, the findings of which influenced the implementation of the Mental Health Measure.

“All NHS bodies in Wales require strong and experienced leadership. However, this is even more important for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board due to their current status, together with the additional challenges in dealing with the impact of the pandemic.

“Whilst good progress has been made since April 2019, there is still much to do to develop the organisation under the leadership of the chair and chief executive.”

A formal process will commence to appoint a substantive chair at a later date.