BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board has appointed a new chief executive.

Jo Whitehead has been appointed as the new chief executive of the North Wales health board - which has been in special measures for five years - from her current role as chief executive of Mackay Hospital and Health Service in Queensland, Australia.

She will return to her roots in North Wales after more than 30 years of experience working in healthcare in both the UK and Australia.

Miss Whitehead said: “It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives and improve health outcomes across our communities across North Wales.

“I am determined to help the health board meet its challenges and provide health care services our communities and our staff can be proud of.

“I am looking forward to working in the NHS in Wales, and it really is a homecoming for me, North Wales is where I was born and grew up and so it is a real honour.

“For many years I have admired the partnership-focused structure of the NHS in Wales and the possibilities it provides for developing great, sustainable health care services and I am now looking forward to getting started.”

Mark Polin, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jo back to the UK as our new chief executive.

"She performed very well in what was a competitive recruitment process and impressed the health board and partner representatives involved in her selection.

"She demonstrated a very strong understanding of the health and social care challenges in North Wales and a clear sense as to how they should be addressed."

Mr Polin said Miss Whitehead will provide the "leadership and experience the health board needs".

She will officially take up her role January 1, 2021 1 but will be engaging with the chair, the board and the executive team in the interim period.

Simon Dean, the interim chief executive of five months, will return to his role as deputy chief executive of NHS Wales, with effect from September 1.

Mr Polin said: “The board and I are most grateful to Simon for leading the organisation at what has been one of the most testing times in its history and especially for the commitment he has displayed and the support he has provided to the organisation.”

Gill Harris, the deputy chief executive and director of nursing, will perform the role of Chief Executive until Miss Whitehead's arrival in January.

Mr Polin added: “I have every confidence that Gill will lead the organisation well, supported by her colleagues, and that she, Jo and I will be able agree and pursue the direction and priorities for the organisation for the coming few months.”