Ex-shadow health minister made chair of Welsh NHS Confederation
An organisation representing NHS managers and senior leaders at Welsh health boards has appointed a former shadow minister for health and social services as its new chair.
The Welsh NHS Confederation has named former Conservative Party member of the Senedd, or Welsh parliament, Jonathan Morgan as its new chair.
The confederation acts as a national membership body for the country’s seven health boards, three NHS trusts as well as other organisations such as Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).
“The NHS faces a tough time but there are opportunities for innovation, creativity and focus”
Jonathan Morgan
Mr Morgan’s appointment was announced today. He succeeds Emma Woollett, who has stepped down both from her NHS Confederation role and her post as chair of Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Mr Morgan has worked across health and social care in Wales over the last decade and a half – most recently as chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board in South Wales, a post he retains.
He was formerly chair of Hafod Housing Association, which administers both housing and social care services across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Mr Morgan has also held regulator posts at HEIW and the audit committee of the Public Services Ombudsman.
Before working in the sector itself, Mr Morgan was a member of the Welsh Senedd representing the South Wales Central and later Cardiff North constituencies as a Conservative member from 1999-2011.
As a member of the Senedd, Mr Morgan also served as shadow minister for health and social services under Nick Bourne, from 2007 until he left politics in 2011.
Mr Morgan said: “I’m delighted to be the new chair of the Welsh NHS Confederation following on from my colleague Emma Woollett, chair of Swansea Bay University Health Board.
“The NHS faces a tough time but there are opportunities for innovation, creativity and focus by working across the organisations that make up our health service.
“I want us to continue the work with ministers, members of the Senedd and key public service partners as we find new and bold solutions to deliver a health and care service that responds to the needs of the people of Wales to ensure the best outcomes for our population.”
Welsh NHS Confederation Darren Hughes added that he was “thrilled” to welcome Mr Morgan to the organisation, and thanked Ms Woollett for her service to it.
“Jonathan brings with him a wealth of public sector and political experience, with a real drive to support our team to continue to deliver for our members at what is an exceptionally challenging time for the NHS and the communities it serves.
“We look forward to being bolstered by Jonathan’s enthusiasm, commitment and determination to enable the Welsh NHS Confederation to act as a driving force for positive change.”
