We are seeking an exceptional visionary leader to take on the role of Medical Director at a time of significant transformation and innovation, as well as providing a unique opportunity to work closely with Welsh Government (WG), across NHS Wales, with local authorities and wider public bodies, and other stakeholders.
As Medical Director, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence and inspire a culture of continuous improvement across Improvement and Transformation at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement and our other functions. You will be directly accountable to the Managing Director, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, for the development and effective delivery of the NHSP&I’s annual work plan encompassing its broad range of work.
The Medical Director will provide strategic and professional clinical leadership across NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, shaping and delivering a coherent national clinical programme aligned to policy, the National Clinical Framework and population health priorities.
Working closely with the Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and senior system leaders, the role will establish robust governance arrangements, strengthen clinical standards and quality metrics, and ensure programmes are clinically led, outcome-focused and accountable.
The Medical Director will champion prevention, care closer to home and digital innovation, embedding evidence-based transformation that improves patient safety, reduces unwarranted variation and delivers sustainable, high-quality care.
As a senior system leader, they will engage with Welsh Government, Health Boards and partners to influence service design, reduce health inequalities and ensure meaningful patient and public involvement.
The role carries responsibility for resource stewardship, workforce leadership, governance and assurance, fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion and continuous improvement across all national clinical programmes and networks.
Role
NHS Wales Performance & Improvement (formerly the NHS Wales Executive) has an important and valuable role in the delivery of key Welsh Government priorities:
- To support NHS Wales to deliver better health services for patients and the public
- To support Ministers to hold NHS Wales to account for the provision of health services
Since its inception in April 2023, strong foundations have been put in place within NHS Wales Performance & Improvement (NHS P&I) - including a more joined up and informed approach between policy development and operational NHS delivery, and improved coordination and collaboration across whole systems and pathways. Building on this foundation, NHS P&I aims to be an acknowledged centre of excellence in its field, efficient and responsive to the needs of both NHS Wales and Ministers, supporting best practice, and streamlining accountability.
NHS P&I Will Support The NHS By Providing
- Improvement services
- Innovation support
- Value and sustainability support
- Clinical expertise in service improvement, drawing on the best in Wales
- Regional delivery support
NHS P&I Will Support Ministers By Providing
- Financial delivery support
- Performance management support
- Planning advice
- Advice to Welsh Government on use of powers of directions and intervention
For guidance on the application process, please visit
https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Vivienne Thorngate Job title: People & OD Partner Email address: vivienne.thorngate@wales.nhs.uk
To arrange an informal conversation with Dr Chris Clayton, please email: chris.clayton@wales.nhs.uk