Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) has announced the appointment of Hayley Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Ms Thomas has been in the role of Interim CEO since Carol Shillabeer’s move to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board last year and following an extensive recruitment campaign, has now been appointed as the substantive Chief Executive.

As the CEO of PTHB, Ms Thomas will lead the health board's vision to deliver excellent health and care services for the people of Powys, in partnership with local communities, primary care, social care and other stakeholders. She will also oversee the implementation of the health board's transformation programme, which aims to improve access, quality and sustainability of services across Powys.

She is no stranger to managing change and improvement, having joined the health board in 2013 as Head of Programme Management, she then undertook the roles of Executive Director of Planning and Executive Director of Primary Care, Community Care and Mental Health before taking up her role as Interim CEO.

Carl Cooper, Chair of PTHB said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Hayley Thomas as the Chief Executive Officer of Powys Teaching Health Board. I have no doubt that Hayley's considerable skills, knowledge, experience and expertise will underpin her effective leadership and management of healthcare in Powys. She is a person of creative vision and strategic clarity with a focus on implementation and delivery. The NHS in Powys, as elsewhere, faces many challenges. I look forward to working with Hayley, alongside PTHB colleagues, partners and the people of Powys, as we respond to these challenges with hope and confidence.”

Ms Thomas said: “It is a privilege to lead the health board. While the NHS faces challenges, there are many opportunities to develop continuingly improving services for the people of Powys and I am pleased to be part of the process. Our ‘Better Together’ programme aims to ensure that the health board continues to work with both the County Council, voluntary sector and other stakeholders to improve health and wellbeing across the area for the benefit of all and I am honoured to be continuing this work as CEO.

“I am proud of the dedication of staff to patients, to each other and to our organisation.  My aim is to support colleagues in their vital work.

“I am passionate about working together with all partners and with the communities we serve, to provide the best possible care and to improve health and wellbeing for the long term.”