New medical chief forWales

A NEW Chief Medical Officer for Wales has been appointed, the Welsh Government has announced.

Dr Frank Atherton, pictured, will start his new role this summer, replacing Dr Ruth Hussey, who retired in March.

He will be responsible for providing independent professional advice to the First Minister, the Health and Social Services Minister, and the Cabinet on health and public health matters with the aim of improving health and reducing health inequalities.

He will lead the medical profession in Wales, which will involve having a key role in medical regulation, education and training, standards and performance.

Dr Andrew Goodall, the Welsh Government’s Director General for Health and Social Services and chief executive of NHS Wales, said: “I’m very pleased to have someone of Frank’s calibre join us in Wales.”