NPTC Group of Colleges’ Corporation Board Member Professor Donna Mead has been appointed as the new chair of Velindre NHS Trust in Cardiff.
She takes over from Dr Rosemary Kennedy at the Trust, which provides specialist cancer and blood services across south and mid-Wales through the Velindre Cancer Centre and the Welsh Blood Service.
Professor Mead, who is also a registered nurse, brings more than 40 years service in the NHS and education to her new role and has been an independent member in several NHS organisations. As well as being a governor and Chair of the Audit Committee at the College, she is also a trustee of St John (Cymru) Wales.
Her academic credentials include a PhD and recently received an honorary doctorate of science from Swansea University. She received an OBE in the 2009 New Year honours list.
The announcement of her new appointment was made by Health Secretary for Wales Vaughan Gething. He said: “Professor Mead brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the NHS to this role.
“It is an important and challenging time for the NHS in Wales as we look to deliver a health service fit for the future and Professor Mead’s enthusiasm and knowledge will help drive that work forward,” he said.
Speaking on her new role, Professor Mead said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed chair of Velindre NHS Trust.
“Like everyone who lives in Wales and beyond, I am aware of the awesome reputation that all aspects of the trust have for service delivery,” she said.
Professor Mead said she considered it a “huge privilege” to be given the opportunity to serve the staff, patients and blood donors who receive services from Velindre Trust.
“I realise that the outgoing chair, Rosemary Kennedy, has left me with very big shoes to fill and that will be one of my challenges,” she said.
CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges, Mark Dacey, said the College was proud of her achievement.
“It’s a great achievement and well deserved. We are all proud of her and know she will meet the challenges head-on.”
