Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has appointed Chris Bown as Interim Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 35 years of senior healthcare leadership experience, including 25 years as a Chief Executive within the NHS.
Chris will lead the organisation through the next phase of its improvement and transformation programme, focused on improving access to care, supporting staff, making the best use of resources and delivering sustainable healthcare services for local communities.
Throughout his career, Chris has helped healthcare organisations respond to challenges, improve services and lead change, working closely with staff, patients, partners and communities.
His experience spans acute, community and mental health services, including supporting organisations through periods of significant operational and financial pressure while maintaining a focus on quality and patient care. He has also undertaken advisory work across the UK and internationally, including assignments with NHS England, the Government of Jersey and the Government of The Bahamas.
Chris joins Cardiff and Vale UHB following the announcement earlier this year that Chief Executive Suzanne Rankin will be leaving the organisation to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Suzanne joined Cardiff and Vale UHB at a critical time as the organisation emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. During her four years as Chief Executive, she worked alongside colleagues and partners to shape the Health Board's long-term direction through the Shaping Our Future Wellbeing Strategy, strengthen partnership working and support improvements in quality, innovation and patient care.
During her tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne has worked alongside colleagues and partners to lead and support a range of important developments across Cardiff and Vale UHB.
This has included significant and sustained improvements to urgent and emergency care, including the expansion of care pathways into and out of hospital and the development of models of care that help more people receive treatment closer to home. She has also supported improvements in maternity services, helping to enhance care and outcomes for mothers, babies and families, while maintaining a focus on addressing inequalities.
Suzanne has provided leadership for the Precision Medicine Portfolio across Wales, including Genomics Partnership Wales, Advanced Therapies Wales and the National Pathology Programme. This work has helped strengthen Wales' research and innovation capability, create the foundations for Cardiff Health Partners and further support the development of clinical research.
Throughout this work and leadership, Suzanne has championed collaboration, helping to bring together colleagues, partners and communities to strengthen relationships, support regional working and create opportunities for shared learning, innovation and improvement.
Chris Bown, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said:
“Throughout my career, the dedication, professionalism and compassion of NHS staff has always been something I have valued deeply. I know Cardiff and Vale UHB is home to many talented and committed colleagues, and I am delighted to be joining the organisation as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
“I look forward to listening to colleagues across the organisation, understanding their experiences and working together on the opportunities and challenges ahead. Cardiff and Vale UHB has many strengths to build on, and I am committed to supporting the organisation as it continues its improvement and transformation journey.
“I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Suzanne for her contributions to the Health Board and wish her well in her new role.”
Kirsty Williams, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said:
“Chris brings a wealth of leadership experience from across the NHS and wider healthcare system. His experience leading organisations through change and improvement, alongside his collaborative approach, will be invaluable as we continue our work to improve services and support our communities.
“I look forward to welcoming Chris to Cardiff and Vale UHB and working with him over the coming months.
“I would also like to thank Suzanne for her leadership, commitment and dedication to improving healthcare for people across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and Wales over the last four years.
“Her values, shaped by her early career in nursing, have influenced her approach to leadership, placing colleagues, patients, service users, families and carers at the heart of decision making.”
As Interim Chief Executive, Chris will work closely with colleagues, partners and Welsh Government to support a smooth transition and maintain momentum with the improvement work already underway across the Health Board.
Alongside these interim arrangements, recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer will be progressed. The appointment will be made by the Chair and Independent Members of the Board, with the involvement of the Chief Executive of NHS Wales.
