ANEURIN Bevan University Health Board has a new chief executive, Judith Paget, who takes over the role vacated in June by Dr Andrew Goodall on his appointment as the head of the NHS in Wales.

Mrs Paget, who has more than 30 years’ experience of working in the NHS, was previously deputy chief executive of the health board, and has served as interim chief executive since Dr Goodall’s departure.

Health board chairman David Jenkins said Mrs Paget had “come through a rigorous appointment process and demonstrated her leadership qualities against stiff competition from outside of Wales.”

“Judith has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a citizen centred and patient focused health service for the Aneurin Bevan Health community and I am confident that under her leadership we will have a strong emphasis on public service values and service quality,” he said.

“Living in Gwent, Judith has a close understanding of the health needs and challenges of the communities we serve and I am very much looking forward to working with her in meeting those needs and challenges.”

Mrs Paget said she is “delighted and privileged” to have been offered the post.

“I look forward to working with the staff of the health board and all our partner organisations as we continue to make improvements to our services and the quality of the care that we provide, and also improve the long-term health and well-being of local people,” she added.