New health supremo wants to prevent disease (From South Wales Argus)

New Welsh health supremo wants to prevent disease

12:00pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Gwent news By Andy Rutherford - Health correspondent

WALES' new Chief Medical Officer pledged to continue the work of her predecessor in seeking to put prevention at the heart of healthcare.

Dr Ruth Hussey, who has taken on the role from Dr Tony Jewell, said promoting improved quality of care across Wales is also a key aim.

"I'm looking forward to addressing the challenges of improving the health and well being of the population and supporting the provision of high-quality healthcare," said north Wales-born Dr Hussey.

"It's a broad role which ranges from tackling the causes of illness, to caring for people, reflecting the breadth of solutions needed to address the health and well being challenges we face in Wales."

Dr Hussey has worked extensively in the north west of England, holding senior public health and medical director roles. Most recently helped the transition in England of the responsibility for public health from the NHS to local government.