Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced Dr Richard Lewis has been appointed Wales’ first national professional lead for primary care (Friday July 17).
The new role will help the Welsh Government to achieve its aim of delivering new models of care and ensure more people receive high-quality healthcare closer to their homes. Responsibilities will include providing leadership to the clinical community and encouraging locally-planned healthcare.
Dr Lewis is currently Welsh Secretary of the British Medical Association – a leadership role he has held for the last decade – and he is also a practicing GP in South Wales with more than 25 years’ experience.
In his new role as the national lead for primary care, he will work closely with NHS Wales chief executives, clinicians and key stakeholders to support the Welsh Government’s plan for a primary care service for Wales to promote the delivery of as much care as possible at or close to home.
The announcement comes as the Welsh Government today published its new primary care workforce plan to strengthen the workforce.
Professor Drakeford said:
“I am pleased to announce that Dr Lewis will become our first national lead for primary care. He has the knowledge, experience and understanding of the strengths and challenges of our health service in Wales.
“Our vision is to meet the rising demand for healthcare by making the most of the skills of our dedicated primary care workforce and provide care close to people’s homes. Dr Lewis will play a crucial role in helping us achieve this and change the way NHS services in Wales are delivered.”
Dr Lewis said:
“I am delighted to take on this new appointment and play an important role in helping our primary care services develop to meet the needs of our population.
“I am looking forward to working with the NHS to build on the considerable work that has already been undertaken in primary care and help to share the many examples of good practice across Wales to ensure it is part of a wider integrated system delivering excellent care for people wherever they live.
“With my experience of working as a GP and my leadership of the BMA in Wales, I want to use my experience and understanding of primary care to play a key role in helping it grow to meet the changing needs of the public and communities.”
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