In a significant appointment, Professor Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
Prof. Oliver, who previously held the position of Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role with the Welsh Government.
As the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Prof. Oliver will be at the forefront of providing clinical leadership and delivering independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health issues. She will collaborate with organisations across Wales to tackle health inequalities and lead the medical profession towards enhanced healthcare quality and improved patient outcomes.
Speaking about her new role, Professor Oliver said:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and the communities across Wales to create a Healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.
“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me with a great passion for health and wellbeing, there are some unique opportunities in Wales to secure major improvements in public health and health services for all, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors and it will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient and prosperous communities.”
Prof. Oliver's distinguished career began in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and the South West of England before she shifted her focus to public health. Her impressive resume includes serving as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) prior to her current role at UKHSA.
In addition to her governmental roles, Prof. Oliver is a co-director of the National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She also holds an honorary professorship at University College, London, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and research.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles also commented on Professor Oliver’s appointment:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”
Prof. Oliver succeeds Sir Dr Frank Atherton, who is stepping down at the end of the month. Her appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed focus on public health challenges and healthcare improvements in Wales.
Image credit: iStock and the Welsh Government
