The man who led Wales’ response to the Covid pandemic has announced he is stepping down. On Friday, January 10, it was confirmed that one of Wales’ leading public health doctors, Sir Dr Frank Atherton, would be standing down from his role as Welsh Government’s chief medical officer after eight and a half years.
Following the announcement, Dr Atherton said it had been a “privilege” to act as the chief medical officer, as well as a “highlight” in his professional career to serve the people of Wales during an “incredibly challenging” time. According to the Welsh Government, his successor will be announced in due course. Get the latest Welsh news delivered free to your email inbox every day.
Dr Atherton provided independent advice to the government on key issues that affected the health sector in Wales, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, he became a familiar face and voice on the TV and radio, delivering hard-hitting statistics, updates and advice to millions about the virus in Wales.
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He took up the role of Chief Medical Officer for Wales in August, 2016, succeeding Dr Ruth Hussey. Previously, he had public health postings in Malawi, the former Yugoslavia, Tanzania, and Bangladesh. His last job before moving to Cardiff was as deputy chief medical officer in Nova Scotia in Canada.
Speaking about Dr Atherton’s decision to stand down, Wales’ Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Sir Frank has provided invaluable advice and guidance, which I am hugely grateful for. He played a leading role in our response to the pandemic, ensuring people throughout Wales received valuable information about the virus and about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. I wish him all the best for the future.”
Judith Paget, chief executive of NHS Wales, said: “Frank has shown how passionate he is about improving health outcomes for the Welsh population and has led the way on improving the quality of healthcare. It has been a privilege to work with him and to have the benefit of his experience and commitment to new approaches. He has played a crucial role in being the Welsh voice around the table with other UK Chief Medical Officers, government departments and organisations”.
Speaking ahead of leaving his post, Sir Frank said: “It has been a privilege to act as CMO and a highlight of my professional career to have served the people of Wales during this incredibly challenging time. I would like to thank all those other civil servants, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, who have assisted me for almost a decade in this role.”